Marxism Flashcards
What is Marxism?
A socio-economic theory that critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society.
True or False: Marxism believes that society is divided into two main classes: the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
True
Fill in the blank: According to Marxism, the bourgeoisie owns the means of __________.
production
What does the term ‘proletariat’ refer to in Marxist theory?
The working class who sell their labor for wages.
What is ‘alienation’ in the context of Marxism?
The estrangement of individuals from their work, products, and fellow workers due to capitalist exploitation.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following concepts is central to Marxist theory? A) Social mobility B) Historical materialism C) Cultural relativism
B) Historical materialism
What is ‘historical materialism’?
The Marxist approach that emphasizes the material conditions of a society as the primary influence on its development.
What is the ‘base and superstructure’ model in Marxism?
The idea that the economic base of society shapes its cultural and political superstructure.
Fill in the blank: Marxism argues that the ruling class maintains power through __________.
ideology
What does ‘class consciousness’ mean in Marxist theory?
The awareness of one’s social class and its position within the class structure.
What is ‘surplus value’ in Marxist economics?
The difference between what workers are paid and the value of the goods they produce.
True or False: Marxism advocates for gradual reform of the capitalist system.
False
What is the role of the state according to Marxist theory?
The state acts as an instrument of the ruling class to maintain their power and control.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a component of Marxist thought? A) Dialectical materialism B) Social Darwinism C) Class struggle
B) Social Darwinism
True or False: Marxism has influenced various political movements and ideologies worldwide.
True
What does ‘dialectical materialism’ refer to?
A philosophical approach that combines dialectics and materialism to understand societal development.
Fill in the blank: Marxism emphasizes the importance of __________ in shaping human history.
economic factors
What is ‘false consciousness’ in Marxist theory?
A situation where the proletariat is misled about their true class interests, often by ideology.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a critique of Marxism? A) It underestimates the role of culture B) It advocates for totalitarianism C) It ignores economic factors
A) It underestimates the role of culture
What is ‘revolution’ in the context of Marxism?
A fundamental change in the social and economic structures of society, often through the overthrow of the ruling class.
