Marxism

Question 1

What is Historic Materialism?

Answer 1

Looking at how humans have provided for material needs throughout history

Question 2

According to Marx, what are the 3 successive class societies (epochs)?

Answer 2

Ancient: B=slave owners, P=slaves
Feudal: B=landowners, P=peasants
Capitalist: Bourgeoisie, Proletariat

Question 3

What is Class Polerisation?

Answer 3

Society divides into a minority capitalist class (the elite) ad a majority working class

Question 4

What does Marx think polerisation will lead to?

Answer 4

Will bring about the end of capitalism as the workers will develop a class consciousness (an awareness of their exploitation and an understanding of how to end it)
Proletariat will unite and overthrow the Bourgeoisie

Question 5

Name 3 weaknesses of this theory

Answer 5

Simplistic view of equality
Weber: you can be powerful even without owning the means of production
Radical Feminists: gender is a more fundamental source of inequalities than class
Assumes that economic factors are the sole cause of inequality in society/only thing that causes change - ignores that humans have free will and can also bring about social change themselves