Marxist view of society Flashcards
P1: What is the Marxist view of the base and superstructure?
Classical Marxists argue that society is based on economic determinism, where the economic base (capitalism) shapes the superstructure (institutions like law, media, education).
How does Althusser (1971) explain the role of Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs)?
Althusser argues that ISAs (e.g., schools, media) spread ruling-class ideology, while Repressive State Apparatuses (RSAs) (e.g., police, military) control the working class through force.
What evidence supports the claim that education serves capitalism?
The education system teaches students to accept hierarchy and prepares them for low-wage employment, benefiting capitalism.
How does Marxism explain the role of institutions in maintaining inequality?
Marxism is useful in explaining how institutions maintain inequality, ensuring that capitalism remains unchallenged.
What is the postmodernist critique of the base and superstructure model?
Lyotard (1984) argues that Marxism is outdated—class is no longer the most significant social division, as identities are now based on lifestyle, culture, and media influence.
P2: What is the Marxist view of meritocracy?
Marxists argue that capitalism creates false consciousness by making workers believe in meritocracy, when in reality, the system is rigged against them.
How does Bourdieu (1977) explain the role of cultural capital?
Bourdieu states that the middle class has more cultural capital, which gives them an advantage in education and employment.
What evidence supports the claim that class inequality persists in education?
Private schooling and elite university access are dominated by the upper class, reinforcing inequality across generations.
What is the critique of Marxism regarding class structure?
Critics argue that social mobility has increased, and a large middle class has emerged, reducing the relevance of Marxist ideas. For example, in modern Britain, 70% of people own their homes, challenging the idea that all wealth is controlled by the ruling class.
How does Marxism explain the persistence of class inequality?
Marxism is useful in understanding how inequality persists, despite claims that everyone has an equal chance to succeed.
P3: What is the Neo-Marxist view of hegemony?
Neo-Marxists argue that capitalism maintains power by controlling ideas and culture, not just through economic force.
How does Gramsci (1971) explain hegemony?
Gramsci introduced the concept of hegemony, where the ruling class maintains power by controlling ideas rather than just using force.
What evidence supports the claim that the media reinforces capitalism?
The media shapes public opinion, making people accept capitalism as normal and discouraging revolution.
How does Neo-Marxism explain the survival of capitalism?
Neo-Marxism is useful for understanding how capitalism survives, even when exploitation is obvious, by controlling ideology and culture.
What is the critique of Neo-Marxism regarding worker resistance?
Trade unions and protest movements show that workers are not always passive. For example, the National Education Union regularly challenges government policies, proving that workers can resist capitalist control.
