Marxism and Neo-Marxism (40)

Question 1

Stratification

Answer 1

The hierarchical layering of society and into distinct groups with different levels of wealth and status.

Question 2

Capitalism

Answer 2

An economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and the creation of surplus value through selling goods.

Question 3

Why is Capitalism is Unequal?

Answer 3

Inequality is mainly experienced as a result of class when profit is made by owners due to cheap labour from workers who don’t realise they are being exploited.

Question 4

Primary Cause of Inequality

Answer 4

The Structure of Society

Question 5

‘Substructure’ of Society

Answer 5

Consists of materials and means of production

Question 6

‘Superstructure’ of Society

Answer 6

The state and ideologies of society.

Question 7

Marxists Explanation of Society

Answer 7

• Owners control the substructures due to owning resources needed to produce goods and so become the ruling class who control the superstructure which they use to promote their beliefs.
• Ownership is concentrated amongst a small number of people, creating inequality
• Created and maintained by those who dominate the infrastructure and control the economy as they control the ‘ideological state apparatus’

Question 8

Ideological State Apparatus (Althusser)

Answer 8

Institutions (education, government, religion, media) socialising norms and values of the ruling class into individuals to maintain and legitimise class inequality

Question 9

How do ISAs cause Inequality?

Answer 9

• Workers are socialised to be obedient and are brainwashed into them RCI to stop them from realising their FCC. So exploited.
• Althusser states that they legitimise the structure as ‘normal, natural and inevitable’. Prevents revolt/RSA if

Question 10

Primary Socialisation and Ruling Class Ideology and Inequality

Answer 10

• Promotes consumerism, ‘keeping up with the Joneses’.
• Mother reproducing the workforce/Exploiting women
• Socialising RCI
• Safety valve for men to express frustrations

Question 11

Secondary Socialisation and Ruling Class Ideology (Education) and Inequality

Answer 11

• Qualifications legitimise ruling class ideology and prepare children for work by making the used to boredom/authority
• Perpetuating the myth of meritocracy
• Values don’t correspond with RCI they are punished

Question 12

Bowles and Gintis (SS and RCI)

Answer 12

-Hidden curriculum is used in education to socialise ruling class ideology. Learning obedience in punctuality. If not then they get punished by detention for example.

Question 13

Neo-Marxism

Answer 13

Formed around 20th Century

Question 14

Gramsci (1937)

Answer 14

• Inequality made acceptable due to controlling the economy/ideas of society.
• ‘Hegemony’ which is dominance by one state.
• ‘Relative Autonomy’ plays a small role as it gives people control over themselves which can stabilise captalist societies.
• Create ‘common sense’ so they see ruling class values as their own value, preventing change.

Question 15

Myth of Meritocracy

Answer 15

• Society is not meritocratic.
• Ruling class socialise the idea of meritocracy into the lower classes which legitimise social class inequality.
• Justifies the wealth of the richest being down to them not trying. 38% v 65% (2014 GCSE)

Question 16

Media and inequality

Answer 16

Influences people into seeing RCI as the best and right

Only show ‘approved ideals’ and knowledge

Question 17

Criticisms of Marxism

Answer 17

• Functionalists say inevitable and functional. Shared values.
• Race or gender or age considered.
• Marx predicts the rise of cc and revolution but also says we are controlled. Clear contradiction.
• Simple/Deterministic/No empirical evidence

Question 18

Neo-Marxism Criticisms

Answer 18

• Global rise of neo-liberal society. Marxist ideas are not fashionable. Free-market capitalism results in higher living standards.
• Gap between rich and poor is widening/Gulf witnessed by Marx between B and P is returing.
• Extreme wealth and poverty is a heterogeneous fragmented majority that has no appetite for communist revolution

Question 19

Conclusion

Answer 19

Experienced due to the ruling class owning the institutions of society used to control our ideology so that we are unaware of our exploitation.