Class struggle

Definition

Class struggle refers to the conflict between different classes in society, particularly between the bourgeoisie (the ruling capitalist class) and the proletariat (the working class). This concept is central to Marxist theory and emphasizes the idea that social change and progress arise from the tensions and contradictions inherent in capitalist societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Class struggle became increasingly prominent in early modern Chinese fiction, as writers began to depict the lives and struggles of different social classes, particularly the oppressed proletariat.
2. The rise of realism in Chinese literature marked a shift towards more honest portrayals of social issues, highlighting the conflicts between classes and illustrating the hardships faced by the working class.
3. The League of Left-Wing Writers sought to amplify the voices of the proletariat through literature, emphasizing class struggle as a central theme in their works during a time of social upheaval.
4. Propaganda and revolutionary literature in China utilized themes of class struggle to mobilize support for communist ideals, presenting the fight against oppression as a moral imperative.
5. With the establishment of socialist realism, literature was required to focus on uplifting the proletariat and depicting class struggle as a necessary path toward achieving a communist society.

Review Questions

• How did early modern Chinese fiction reflect themes of class struggle, and what impact did this have on societal perceptions of different social classes?
  • Early modern Chinese fiction often depicted the realities of life for various social classes, especially focusing on the struggles faced by the proletariat. By showcasing characters from different backgrounds grappling with poverty, oppression, and social injustice, these narratives influenced readers’ perceptions and sparked discussions about social inequality. This literary focus on class struggle highlighted the tensions between classes and contributed to a growing awareness of societal issues during a time of significant change.
• Analyze how the rise of realism in Chinese literature helped shape the representation of class struggle in literary works during this period.
  • The rise of realism in Chinese literature marked a critical shift towards more truthful representations of everyday life, including class dynamics. Realist writers brought attention to the struggles of ordinary people, showcasing their hardships and conflicts with the ruling bourgeoisie. This focus on authentic experiences allowed readers to engage more deeply with issues of inequality and injustice, making class struggle a prominent theme that resonated within society and prompted discussions about reform.
• Evaluate the role of class struggle in shaping revolutionary literature and its influence on cultural movements in modern China.
  • Class struggle served as a foundational concept in revolutionary literature, acting as both a rallying cry and an ideological framework for writers seeking to inspire social change. By portraying the plight of the working class and framing their struggles against oppression as a collective battle, revolutionary literature galvanized support for communist ideologies. This not only influenced cultural movements but also played a pivotal role in mobilizing public sentiment during times of political upheaval, ultimately shaping the course of modern China's history.

Related terms

Bourgeoisie: The capitalist class who own most of society's wealth and means of production, often contrasted with the working class.

Proletariat: The working class who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.

Marxism:

A socio-economic theory that analyzes class relations and societal conflict, advocating for a revolutionary approach to achieving a classless society.