Marxism

Question 1

What are the five Marxist ideas

Answer 1

Base superstructure model
Capitalism
Class consciousness
Ideology
Alienation

Question 2

What type of theory is marxism

Answer 2

conflict/macro theory

Question 3

What is the Base superstructure model

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What is the main criticism for the base superstructure model

Answer 4

Economically deterministic - views the economy as the sole cause of everything and ignored free will

Question 5

What is the definition of capitalism

Answer 5

An economic system which the means of production are privately owned rather than communally where the main purpose is to make profit

Question 6

What is Marx’s view of capitalism

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What did the ONS find in 2022 about the gap between the richest in society and the rest in society

Answer 7

It has widened over a 10 year period

Question 8

What are some contemporary examples of exploitation

Answer 8

Shein suppliers’ workers found doing 75 hour weeks
iPhone factory in India committed multiple labour violations, underpaid wages

Question 9

What is false class consciousness

Answer 9

When the proletariat do not recognise, they are being exploited by the bourgeoisie. This is maintained by institutions (eg education)

Question 10

What do Marxists think will create a revolution

Answer 10

Economic conditions and class polarisation would result in the working-class developing class consciousness & revolting

Question 11

What is class polarisation

Answer 11

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

Question 12

What is alienation according to Marxists

Answer 12

Where a group or individual feels socially isolated because they lack the power to control their lives & realise their true potential

Question 13

What does Marx say about alienation

Answer 13

It reaches its highest points under capitalism

Question 14

How does alienation work in the workplace under capitalism according to Marx

Answer 14

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

Question 15

How do the bourgeoise hide their exploitation

Answer 15

Through their ideology of making capitalism seem fair and right

Question 16

What is an ideology

Answer 16

A set of ideas often used to benefit the dominant group

Question 17

How do the ruling class use their ideology to hide their exploitation

Answer 17

The bourgeoisie use institutions such as education to spread their ideology and hide their exploitation

Question 18

What did Fran Ansley say about the family being an insitution

Answer 18

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

Question 19

What does Marx say the solution to the inequality will be

Answer 19

A revolution will overthrow capitalism and then we will have a communist society where everything would be owned and controlled by the people

Question 20

How is the Marxist theory useful

Answer 20

It links well to contemporary examples where we see exploitation taking place

Question 21

What are the criticism of the Marxist theory

Answer 21

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