Neo-Marxists

Question 1

Neo-Marxist perspectives

Answer 1

Neo- Marxism is based on Traditional Marxist ideas of inequality and exploitation but accuse traditional Marxism of being too economically deterministic. Neo-Marxists argue that the economy does not determine everything, and there is an element of separation between the economic base and the superstructure. ​
Neo-Marxists argue that individuals and institutions do have some free will and do not have to adopt the capitalist ideology, and can teach a different set of ideas instead.

Question 2

Gramscis argument

Answer 2

Gramsci argues that ideology is actually separate from the economy and has relative autonomy. The dominant ruling class ideology is referred to as ‘hegemony’. This is a set of ideas and beliefs which support the ruling class and capitalism.
As a result, ISAs are not completely shaped by capitalism and instead can teach a different ideology to the ruling class hegemonic ideology, one based on equality. Therefore, the solution is for the proletariat to become class conscious and break the hegemony through collective action led by intellectuals. ​ ​

Question 3

althussers concept

Answer 3

Althusser argues that unlike the superstructure model of society with two levels, society actually has three levels…​

Ideological​

Political​

Economic​

Each have equal influence, and each has some independence from the others. Althusser argues that change in society comes about from conflict between any of the levels.​