Marxism

Definition

Marxism is a socio-political and economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, which argues that society progresses through class struggle and aims for a classless society. It critiques capitalism, asserting that it leads to the exploitation of the working class, or proletariat, by the owning class, or bourgeoisie. This theory is fundamentally connected to dialectical materialism, which emphasizes the material conditions of life as the basis for societal development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marxism argues that history is driven by economic forces and class struggle, leading to societal change over time.
2. According to Marx, capitalism inevitably leads to its own downfall due to inherent contradictions, resulting in a revolution by the proletariat.
3. Marxism emphasizes the importance of collective ownership of the means of production as a solution to exploitation and inequality.
4. The concept of historical materialism is central to Marxism, positing that material conditions shape societal structures and ideologies.
5. Marxism has inspired various political movements and revolutions around the world, particularly in the 20th century, leading to the establishment of communist states.

Review Questions

• How does Marxism interpret the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?
  • Marxism interprets the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat as fundamentally exploitative. The bourgeoisie owns and controls the means of production, while the proletariat sells their labor to survive. This creates a power imbalance where the bourgeoisie profits from the labor of the proletariat without equitable compensation, leading to class struggle as the working class seeks to overthrow their oppressors and establish a more just society.
• Discuss how dialectical materialism underpins Marxist theory and its implications for understanding social change.
  • Dialectical materialism is essential to Marxist theory as it provides a framework for understanding how societal changes arise from material conditions and contradictions within society. By emphasizing that reality is shaped by tangible economic factors rather than ideas alone, dialectical materialism suggests that social change occurs when contradictions—such as those between different social classes—intensify. This perspective reveals that societal progress emerges from conflict, leading to new forms of social organization and relations.
• Evaluate the impact of Marxism on contemporary political movements and how it has influenced modern interpretations of socialism.
  • Marxism has had a profound impact on contemporary political movements, shaping various forms of socialism and communism around the globe. Its critique of capitalism has resonated with activists advocating for workers' rights, social justice, and economic equality. However, modern interpretations of Marxism have evolved, leading to diverse approaches that range from democratic socialism to more radical revolutionary ideologies. This evolution reflects ongoing debates about how best to achieve a classless society in today's complex global landscape.

Related terms

Dialectical Materialism: A philosophical approach that combines dialectics, or the study of change through contradiction, with materialism, focusing on the physical world and economic conditions as key drivers of societal change.

Proletariat: The working class in Marxist theory, who sell their labor for wages and are considered to be exploited under capitalist systems.

Bourgeoisie: The capitalist class in Marxist theory, who own the means of production and are seen as oppressors of the proletariat.