Marxist key concepts

Question 1

Bourgeoisie

Answer 1

Capitalists or owner of the means of production in capitalist societies

Question 2

Capitalism

Answer 2

An economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production in which the minority benefit at the expense of the majority

Question 3

Ideology

Answer 3

A set of norms and values, ideas and beliefs ( it is usually negative) which support a ruling groups position

Question 4

Legitimate

Answer 4

Make something appear fair and reasonable

Question 5

Means of production

Answer 5

The land, factories, machine, science and tech labour power required to produce goods

Question 6

False class consciousness

Answer 6

People not aware of their true identity as exploited workers - they feel that capitalism is fair and inevitable

Question 7

Class

Answer 7

A group of people defined by its relationship to the means of production.

Question 8

Hegemony

Answer 8

Ruling class ideas which shape the way we think and act. The ruling class ideas are so dominant that it is difficult to see them as anything but normal.

Question 9

Super structure

Answer 9

Non wealth creating institutions which directly and indirectly support the ruling class e.g the church, education and family

Question 10

Alienation

Answer 10

The process where people are cut off

Question 11

Infrastructure

Answer 11

The economic base of society

Question 12

Exploration

Answer 12

Workers do not revive a fair share of the profit they have made from their labour