Marxist Theory: Key Terms Flashcards
Proletariat:
The name given by Marx to the workers in a society; their labour produces wealth
Bourgeoise: The name given by Marx to the owners of
he means of production in a society
Exploitation: A person is exploited if he or she performs
more labour than necessary to produce the goods society consumes
Alienation: The estrangement of people from their
human nature. Labourers are alienated because they are separated from nature, other people, and do not control their labour or product
Conflict Theory: The theory that history develops neither in a random fashion nor in a linear one but instead through
class conflicts. There will always be ongoing tension between those who have power/resources and those that do not.
ex. taxes; war; civil rights
False consciousness:
People’s acceptance of an unfavourable social system without protest or questioning; “the logical way for things to be”
Base:
The methods of production in a given society; the economy
Superstructure: the social, political and ideological systems
and institutions of society ex. culture, religion, law, art
Use value: An assessment of the worth
of something based on what it can do (doesn’t change)
Exchange value: An assessment of the worth
of something based on its prestige or reputation (can change)
Conspicuous consumption:
The obvious acquisition of things only for their sign value
Commodification: The transformation
of goods, services and ideas into commodities or objects of trade (ex. food, healthcare, education)
Reification: Treating people like
commodities to influence the market (ex. celebrities, influencers)
