Marxists Criticisms Of Ruling Class Ideology

Question 1

Myth of meritocracy

Answer 1

Marxists claim that people in a capitalist society are persuaded to believe that all people have the same opportunities + how successful they are will depend on their work

Not true as those born into wealthier families will have more opportunities, by convincing people this, less likely they will challenge the system as they believe they are unsuccessful because of their own misfortune

Question 2

Falsify promotes the view that capitalism is a superior economic system

Answer 2

Claim that the social institutions which make up the superstructure, such as schools and media are ideological state apparatus - purpose is to socialise people into supporting capitalism to prevent any social change from occurring

For example at school they learn the importance of obeying authority and to compete with others for success - replicated when they go to the workforce

Question 3

Value things such as money, material goods and hard work

Answer 3

Help to maintain the capitalist system as people believe that they need to fulfil these things to be happy

Question 4

False state consciousness

Answer 4

They are unaware of their position of oppression, because capitalism provides them with two distractions such as entertainment + basic free provisions such as education + healthcare - feel cared for

Question 5

Evaluation: assuming

Answer 5

Criticised for assuming that people are passive + unable to challenge ruling class ideas - not be the acceptance of ideology that prevents revolution but economic factors

Question 6

Evaluation: Gramsci

Answer 6

Believed that the ideas of traditional Marxism are too deterministic - claimed that most people live in a state of dual consciousness rather than false consciousness - they are aware of society’s problem but do not wish to challenge it

Question 7

Evaluation: Popper

Answer 7

That Marxism is in itself an ideology because it proposes that communism is the ‘ way society should be ‘