Marxism Flashcards
Define Marxism.
The political and economic theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
Define ‘Proletariat’
The working class.
Define ‘Bourgeoisie’
The upper classes and the powerful.
What do Marxists suggest?
Ideologies, values and beliefs are important in persuading the proletariat to accept the power of the bourgeoisie
How does Marxism apply to media?
Proletariat are brainwashed by the media into accepting capitalism as natural and inevitable, whilst simultaneously distracting them from complaining about exploitation.
What did Antonio Gramsci come up with? What does it mean?
Hegemony - leadership/dominance by one state or social group over others
What did Chomsky and Herman argue?
The media manipulates the population to prevent them from rebelling against the powerful classes.
What is fetishisation?
When the Working Class is romanticised and seen as a positive thing (people less likely to rebel)
What is demonisation?
Where the working class are presented as ‘undeserving’ or in their position through choice rather than social circumstances.
Who criticises Marxism and what did they say?
Stuart Hall - Gramsci’s idea of hegemony is fragile: popular culture encourages debate about ideology. Also argues many texts are polysemic.
