Marxism

Question 1

What are the aims of Marxism?

Answer 1

To bring about a classless society, based on the common ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. Marxism seeks to change the world.

Question 2

What is economic determinism

Answer 2

Cultural ideas and movements are not neutral or innocent: they are the manifestations of a superstructure that is determined by the economic base

Question 3

What does Louis Althusser say about ideology?

Answer 3

Ideology ‘interpellates’ us: it makes us feel whole and complete by giving us a sense of meaning and normalcy

Question 4

What does ideology mean?

Answer 4

sets of unconscious beliefs that shape our worldview and make it seem natural

Question 5

What does Antonio Gramsci say about Rule and Hegemony

Answer 5

Rule is: law courts, prison, police, army imposing power through external force.
direct political control, enforces compliance.

Hegemony is: political parties, schools, the media, churches, family, art.
foster ideologies as internal force.
indirect form of social control, makes views seem natural.