Marxism and Neo-Marxism on Inequality

Question 1

Define ‘stratification’.

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Define ‘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

Describe Marx’s (1847) view on the proletariat.

Answer 3

Workers sacrifice their time as a commodity in which they auction to owners in order to keep themselves alive.

Question 4

How does this conflict theory describe capitalism as unequal in terms of exploitation?

Answer 4

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 their exploitation.

Question 5

What does Marxism state is the primary cause of inequality.

Answer 5

Through the structure of society.

Question 6

Define the ‘substructure’ of society.

Answer 6

The part that consists of materials and means of production.

Question 7

Define the ‘superstructure’ of society.

Answer 7

The state and ideologies of society.

Question 8

How does the substructure and superstructure of society combine to cause inequality?

Answer 8

The owners control the substructure due to owning resources needed to produce goods and so become the ruling class who control the superstructure and so promote their beliefs. This therefore creates inequality as ownership of resources is concentrated among a small number of people.

Question 9

How is such an unequal system maintained?

Answer 9

Ideological state apparatus

Question 10

What is the ‘ideological state apparatus’.

Answer 10

Althusser (1971) described this concept as institutions (e.g. education) socialising norms and values of the ruling class into individuals to maintain and legitimate class inequality.

Question 11

How does the ideological state apparatus cause inequality?

Answer 11

Workers experience inequality through the ideological state apparatus as they are socialised into obedience and ‘brainwashed’ into the ruling class ideology to stop them realising their false class consciousness. This leads to exploitation by owners due to cheap labour gaining high profits.

Question 12

Give an example of an institution that uses primary socialisation of the ruling class ideology and how.

Answer 12

The family’s function is seen as primary to passing on the ruling class ideology through consumerism as well as the mother reproducing the next workforce.

Question 13

Give an example of an institution that uses secondary socialisation of the ruling class ideology and how.

Answer 13

Bowles and Gintis (1976) argue that the hidden curriculum is used in education to socialise ruling class ideology. An example of this is through learning obedience in punctuality from turning up to lesson on time otherwise the individual receives a punishment such as detention. This prepares us for punctuality to work in order to maintain the job.

Question 14

Identify 3 criticisms of Marxism as an explanation of inequality.

Answer 14

1) Too simple as only looks at inequality as a result of social class when other factors such as gender are involved
2) Deterministic in the idea that people cannot change their class position due to ruling class ideology suppressing them whereas there has been a growth of the middle class
3) Many communist societies have failed showing that capitalism is the best economic structure

Question 15

When was the modernised version of Marxism created?

Answer 15

Neo-Marxism was formed around the 20th Century.

Question 16

Identify 3 important Neo-Marxist thinkers.

Answer 16

1) Gramsci (1937)
2) Braverman (1976)
3) Wright (1947)

Question 17

How does Gramsci’s (1937) concept of ‘hegemony’ create inequality?

Answer 17

Gramsci (1937) suggested that dominance over lower classes is a result of the bourgeoisie being able to rule society and make inequality acceptable due to controlling the economy and ideas of society.

Question 18

How does Braverman (1976) argue modern society creates inequality.

Answer 18

Braverman (1976) argued that due to the industry becoming mechanised it leaves workers deskilled and so become alienated from the workplace experiencing inequality from lack of opportunity. This caused the owners to have more power in firing and hiring people, increasing their wealth at the expense of workers.

Question 19

How does Wright (1974) argue inequality has changed with social class change?

Answer 19

Wright (1974) argued that classes are not polarising but instead increasing and causing inequality through exploiting each other. The middle classes are exploited by the upper classes and are exploiting the working classes themselves.

Question 20

How does the ‘myth of meritocracy’ explain inequalities in institutions like education?

Answer 20

Marxists argue that society is not meritocratic and that ruling class socialise this belief to legitimate social class inequality and justify the wealth of the richest being down to their hard work and those in poverty being down to them not trying.

Question 21

According to Marxism what inequalities arise in the family?

Answer 21

• Safety valve for men to express their frustrations from work
• Exploit women who are seen as the key to reproducing the next generation of workers
• Socialising ruling class ideology

Question 22

According to Marxism what inequalities arise in education?

Answer 22

• Myth of meritocracy as socialises students into accepting an unfair system instead
• If values don’t correspond with ruling class ideology they are punished
• Hidden curriculum prepares them for the working world (e.g. boredom)

Question 23

Give a piece of evidence to support inequalities in education.

Answer 23

38% of working class pupils gained 5 GCSE A*-C grades compared to 65% of other pupils.
- Teach First report (2014)

Question 24

According to Marxism what inequalities arise in the media?

Answer 24

• Influences people in that the ruling class ideology is the best
• Ruling class ensure we only view ‘approved’ ideals and knowledge

Question 25

Give a piece of evidence to support inequalities in the welfare state.

Answer 25

People in poorer areas have higher rates of mental illness and disease.
- Healthy Lives, Healthy People (2010)

Question 26

Identify 3 criticisms of Neo-Marxism as an explanation for inequality.

Answer 26

1) There is no empirical evidence to support the ruling class ideology
2) Too simplistic due to only considering how class position affects inequality
3) Made little attempt to analyse the implications of the middle class on society

Question 27

Describe the conclusion to Marxism and Neo-Marxism as theories that explain inequality.

Answer 27

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