marxism

Question 1

what did Karl Marx (founder of marxism theory) argue?

Answer 1

capitalism creates a conflict between two classes: bourgeoisie and proletariat

Question 2

briefly explain Karl Marx’s pyramid to explain society than conflicted with Durkheim’s organic analogy

Answer 2

the bourgeoisie tower over our lives and own the economy.
in every society the base is the institution of society (infrastructure) and the whole of the pyramid stands on the foundation of the way the society needs the capitalist system.
the superstructure/society relies on the infrastructure to provide money

Question 3

give a brief summary of marxism

Answer 3

it is a negative conflict theory. they believe that under capitalism, the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat to maximise their profit. the proletariat are unaware of this exploitation as they live in a false class consciousness.

Question 4

capitalism

Answer 4

an economic system in which a country’s trade and industry are controlled by private owners to profit

Question 5

conflict theory

Answer 5

looks at inequality between 2 social groups in society

Question 6

false class consciousness

Answer 6

the w/c being unaware of their exploitation

Question 7

infrastructure

Answer 7

the foundation/base of society and the economy

Question 8

superstructure

Answer 8

sits above the infrastructure of Marx’s pyramid
(e.g. money, family, education, religion)

Question 9

means of production

Answer 9

Marx called these the facilities (e.g. technology and factories) and resources the bourgeoisie own. this is why they pay proletariat minimum wage to ensure they profit off their work.

Question 10

polarisation

Answer 10

the gap in wealth between the bourgeoisie and proletariat gets wider.