THEORIES- MARXISM Flashcards
What is Marxism’s view on society compared to Functionalism?
Both Marxism and Functionalism view society as a structure that shapes individuals’ behaviour.
Unlike Functionalism, Marxism sees society as based on conflict rather than harmony or value consensus.
Marxism views society as a conflict between the
bourgeoisie (ruling class) and the proletariat (working class), making it a conflict perspective.
What is the Marxist perspective on revolutionary change?
Marxists believe that society always contains the potential for revolutionary change.
What is ‘primitive communism’ according to Marx?
A stage in early human history where:
The means of production were shared communally.
There were no classes, private ownership, or exploitation.
What happens as the means of production develop?
Classes emerge, and some people become owners of the means of production.
These owners control the relations of production, leading to exploitation.
What is the ‘mode of production’?
The mode of production includes the means of production and the forces of production.
It forms the economic base (infrastructure) of society, which shapes the superstructure (institutions like family, education, and religion).
What are the two classes in capitalist society?
Bourgeoisie (ruling class): Own the means of production.
Proletariat (working class): Own nothing and must sell their labour to survive.
What is ‘surplus value’ in Marxism?
The difference between the value of the product made by workers and their wages.
This surplus value is taken by the bourgeoisie as profit, leading to the exploitation of the working class.
What causes ‘immiseration’ of the proletariat?
Competition among capitalists leads to:
Concentration of the means of production in fewer hands.
Lower wages for workers.
Why are workers alienated under capitalism?
Workers have no control over their work.
The division of labour makes work meaningless and repetitive.
How does the ruling class maintain control in capitalist society?
Ruling class ideology: Spread through the superstructure (e.g., family, education, religion, and media) to create false class consciousness.
State apparatus: Uses force, if necessary, to protect the interests of the ruling class.
How does capitalism sow the seeds of its own destruction?
By polarising classes and bringing workers together in larger numbers, capitalism makes workers class conscious.
Workers become aware of the need to overthrow capitalism, leading to revolution.
What is the result of a proletarian revolution?
Abolition of the state.
Creation of a classless communist society.
Replacement of private ownership with communal ownership.
Production for human need rather than profit.
What are the criticisms of Marxism?
Economic determinism:
Assumes society is entirely shaped by the economic base, ignoring human free will.
Neglect of other inequalities:
Focuses solely on class and ignores gender, status, and power differences.
Two-class model:
Oversimplifies society; the middle class has grown rather than disappeared.
Power elites (e.g., Weber’s view) can dominate without owning the means of production.
Incorrect predictions:
Polarisation of classes hasn’t occurred as Marx predicted. Instead, the class system has become more complex.
K.Marx quote
‘Workers of the world unite; you have nothing to lose but your chains.’
K. Marx
