Marxist Class Inequality

Question 1

What are the four explanations of class inequality?

Answer 1

1. Society has historically faced divisions of power
2. The ruling classes use ideological control to maintain their superior position
3. Class inequality is justified through hegemony
4. Power is becoming more concentrated in society

Question 2

Who said society had historically faced divisions of power?

Answer 2

Marx

Question 3

Expand on how society has historically faced divisions of power

Answer 3

Historical materialism, all human beings have material needs for food and shelter and need to work to meet these which are gained through labour (forces of production) and enter social relations of production which is directed by the class of owners to meet their needs

Question 4

Who said the ruling class uses ideological control to maintain their superiority position?

Answer 4

Marx

Question 5

Expand on how the ruling class use ideological control to maintain their superior position

Answer 5

Use ideological control through political and legal system to support the ruling class power by creating laws that protect the interests of capitalists so capitalism will be seen as reasonable and just rather than exploitative and oppressive

Question 6

Who says class inequality is justified through hegemony?

Answer 6

Gramsci