Traditional Marxism Flashcards
capitalism
Capitalism is an economic system divided between the owners of the means of production and those who do not own anything and have to sell their labour in order to survive. In this system, the owners of the means of production keep all the profits from the extra unnecessary products which are produced. While the workers receive a very small wage disproportionate to the hours they work.
bourgeoisie
Individuals who own the means of production and have a significant amount of power.
proletariat
Individuals who work for the capitalists and are exploited and seen as inferior.
the infrastructure
Capitalism, the economic system, is known as the infrastructure of society. The Bourgeoisie and the capitalist system shapes and controls society according to Marxists. Even the government will not challenge them, because they need the capitalist investment in the economy to keep society going.
the superstructure
The infrastructure shapes the superstructure which is made up of ideological state apparatus’ like religion, education, family and media.
All of these teach us the dominant ideology which supports the capitalist system. This leads the proletariat to suffer false class consciousness as they are brainwashed into thinking that capitalism is fair for everyone, and that their place in society is justified.
oppression and alienation
Marxist believe that the capitalist system has negative effects on society. In particular, the proletariat experience oppression, alienation and exploitation at the hands of the bourgeoisie.
The proletariat are oppressed and controlled by the bourgeoisie because they have no wealth and power.
Workers experience alienation due to the mundane work undertaken. As the workers are involved in one stage of production, they feel detached from the final product. Due to only being trained in one area of the job, it means that the workers do not have the wider skills to make the product and sell themselves.
exploitation and class conflict
The workers are exploited because they work for the capitalists for a low wage to produce products for the capitalists to sell. The products are sold for a higher price than what it costs to produce them. That means, the workers have created products with surplus. That profit goes into the pocket of the Bourgeoisie.
his system leads to conflict between the classes, as each has opposing interests. The Bourgeoisie want more profit, whereas the Proletariat want better pay and conditions, but this would reduce the profits for the capitalists.
marx prediction
Eventually, the Proletariat will realise that they are being exploited and oppressed and will become class conscious.
This will start a revolution and the Proletariat will overthrow the Bourgeoisie! Then, society will become Communist. BUT Marx’s prediction has not yet come true, and where communism has been implemented, it has not had much success in the modern world.
