Marxism

Question 1

What is Marxism?

Answer 1

A structural, conflict theory which views how social institutions shape human behaviour and how that creates inequality within social classes.

Question 2

What is Legitmacy?

Answer 2

Conformity to rules and laws, the acceptance of authority.

Question 3

How do Marxists see Socialistion?

Answer 3

They see socialisation as simply reproducing and legitimising social class inequalities.

Question 4

Who is Karl Marx?

Answer 4

The founding father of Communism, believed we live in a Capitalist society.
Marxism is heavily influenced by his ideologies.

Question 5

What is Capitalism?

Answer 5

Capitalism is an economic system characterised by private ownership of the means of production and profit.

Question 6

What are the 2 groups in a Capitalist society?

Answer 6

The bourgeoise - the upper class
The proletariat - the lower class

Question 7

What is the main conflict of interest in a Capitalist society?

Answer 7

The working classes want higher wages and the ruling classes keep wages low to gain profit of the labour.

Question 8

What are infrastructures?

Answer 8

Infrastructures are the basic facilities and system which serve a country.
Refers to the physical, social, and economic systems which support society.

Question 9

What are Superstructures?

Answer 9

Superstructures include all other institutions which support a society.
( School, Religion, Family etc. )
These are determined by the needs of
infrastructure.

Question 10

Main conflicts Marxists have on Capitalists?

Answer 10

1. Proletariats must sell their labour to survive.
2. The ruling class which own everything have all control.
3. MONEY=POWER

Question 11

What is an ideology?

Answer 11

A system of ideas and beliefs.

Question 12

Why do Marxists look down on ideology in Capitalism?

Answer 12

Marxists see ideology as a tool to justify and maintain Capitalism and the power/privileges which they recieve.

Question 13

In what ways do the bourgeoises dominate ideas?

Answer 13

Media: heavily influenced by upper classes and what the population consumes.
Education: determined by Government and what is taught to young children.
Ideology: controlled and therefore society is forced to undergo socialisation.

Question 14

What is False Consciousness?

Answer 14

False Consciousness is the idea that individuals in a Capitalist society will unknowingly participate in a system with promotes inequality.

Question 15

Strengths of Marxism?

Answer 15

1. Insights into Capitalism, inequality, and power dynamics.
2. Emphasises human rights, healthcare, and education.
3. Benefits society (usually lower classes)

Question 16

Weaknesses of Marxism?

Answer 16

1. Limits the freedom of practising religion in an organised way.
2. Negatively affects the educational system.
3. Overlooks alternative ideas that might shape behaviour, ignores gender, race and individual differences.