Marxism Flashcards
What are the five Marxist ideas
Base superstructure model
Capitalism
Class consciousness
Ideology
Alienation
What type of theory is marxism
conflict/macro theory
What is the Base superstructure model
The idea that the economy and the means of production are the base of society which then influences and shapes the superstructure (institutions and other features of society). The superstructure then works to keep the economy running. A CYCLE
What is the main criticism for the base superstructure model
Economically deterministic - views the economy as the sole cause of everything and ignored free will
What is the definition of capitalism
An economic system which the means of production are privately owned rather than communally where the main purpose is to make profit
What is Marx’s view of capitalism
The bourgeoise own the means of production and the proletariat have no option but to provide labour for wages (‘wage slaves’)
To maximise profits the bourgeoise exploit the proletariat through low wages, poor working conditions or hours
What did the ONS find in 2022 about the gap between the richest in society and the rest in society
It has widened over a 10 year period
What are some contemporary examples of exploitation
Shein suppliers’ workers found doing 75 hour weeks
iPhone factory in India committed multiple labour violations, underpaid wages
What is false class consciousness
When the proletariat do not recognise, they are being exploited by the bourgeoisie. This is maintained by institutions (eg education)
What do Marxists think will create a revolution
Economic conditions and class polarisation would result in the working-class developing class consciousness & revolting
What is class polarisation
Where a society is split into a minority capitalist class and a majority working class who are poles apart in terms of what they do, what they believe in and how much they earn
eg Elon Musk owning several media platforms, decreasing the volume of ruling class
What is alienation according to Marxists
Where a group or individual feels socially isolated because they lack the power to control their lives & realise their true potential
What does Marx say about alienation
It reaches its highest points under capitalism
How does alienation work in the workplace under capitalism according to Marx
Workers have no control over the means of production
Workers have to repeat the same tasks
Workers are isolated from the product they make – they cannot afford to buy them
Isolated from each other on a production line to increase productivity
How do the bourgeoise hide their exploitation
Through their ideology of making capitalism seem fair and right
What is an ideology
A set of ideas often used to benefit the dominant group
How do the ruling class use their ideology to hide their exploitation
The bourgeoisie use institutions such as education to spread their ideology and hide their exploitation
What did Fran Ansley say about the family being an insitution
The wives in the family are the ‘takers of shit’ from their husbands from work, they absorb the anger, allowing the husbands to go back to work refreshed the next day
What does Marx say the solution to the inequality will be
A revolution will overthrow capitalism and then we will have a communist society where everything would be owned and controlled by the people
How is the Marxist theory useful
It links well to contemporary examples where we see exploitation taking place
What are the criticism of the Marxist theory
Marx sees class as the only important inequality - feminists would argue gender inequality is important
No revolution - can see that the WC are class conscious of the exploitation but no revolution had happened
Idea of 2 classes is outdates - British survey showed their to be 7
Measures in place to reduce exploitation - Minimum wage, Furlough, Welfare state etc
Social mobility is possible - not just stuck in one class as marx says e.g Steven Bartlett
