Sociological perspective - Marxism

Question 1

Marxism

Answer 1

A structural theory of society which sees society divided by conflict between 2 main opposing social classes, due to private ownership of the means of production.

Question 2

The means of production

Answer 2

Are the key resources necessary for producing society’s goods

Question 3

The relations of production

Answer 3

The relations such as shared ownership or private ownership, between those involved in production and those who control production. And the relationship between owners and non owners. (e.g slaves or paid for work).

Question 4

Surplus value

Answer 4

Workers produce more than is needed for employers to pay them their wages; this extra provides profit for the employer.

Question 5

The bourgeoise

Answer 5

Small wealthy and powerful class of owners of the means of production.

Question 6

The proletariat

Answer 6

Large poorer class of workers who have to work for wages as they don’t own the means of production.

Question 7

Labour power

Answer 7

Refers to people’s capacity to work. People sell their labour power to the employer in return for a wage.

Question 8

Class conflict

Answer 8

The conflict that arises between different social classes. Generally describes the conflict between the bourgeoisie and proletariat in Marxist views of society.

Question 9

The ruling class

Answer 9

Is the social class of owners of the means of production, whose control over the economy gives them power over all aspects of society, enabling them to rule over society

Question 10

The dominant ideology (Ruling class ideology)

Answer 10

Is the set of ideas and beliefs of the most powerful groups in society, which influences the ideas of the rest of society.

Question 11

False consciousness

Answer 11

The failure of the working class to realise they are being exploited and hence not rebel against the bourgeoise. This lack of awareness by the w/c of their own interests.

Question 12

Class consciousness

Answer 12

An awareness of their real interests and their exploitation.

Question 13

Communism

Answer 13

Refers to an equal society, without social classes or class conflict, in which the means of production are the common property of all.

Question 14

Althusser - The repressive state apparatus

Answer 14

Institutions within society that suppress and control the proletariats through force e.g. the army

Question 15

Althusser - The ideological state apparatus

Answer 15

Institutions within society that suppress and control the proletariats through manipulating and conditioning the way they think e.g. the media, education and religion.

Question 16

Determinism

Answer 16

The idea that people’s behaviour is moulded by their surroundings, and that they have little free will, control or choice over how they behave.