Marxist Theory of Social Class
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Questions and Answers

What do Marxists believe about society?

Society is in a state of conflict between the rich and poor. The ruling class exploits the working class, thereby aiding capitalism and keeping the rich rich.

Who created the Marxism theory?

Karl Marx

What is the ruling class also known as?

The bourgeoisie

What is the subject/working class also known as?

<p>The proletariat</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, why are the proletariat at first unwilling to overthrow the capitalist system with a revolution?

<p>They have been brainwashed/manipulated into a 'false class consciousness' and are unaware of their exploited position.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Marx say will happen when the working class realizes they are being exploited?

<p>Social unrest/conflict will intensify and ultimately cause a revolution. The capitalist system will be replaced by communism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the two negative effects of capitalism identified by Marx?

<p>The polarization of social classes and alienation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is capitalism?

<p>An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is communism?

<p>A political theory in which everything is publicly owned and shared equally among everyone in society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Marx's original theory has been criticized for ignoring the middle class. Which theory added this?

<p>Neo-Marxism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neo-Marxist argues that the middle class are a professional-managerial class who benefit the ruling class and capitalism?

<p>Barbara and John Ehrenreich</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who argues that the middle class have actually been de-skilled due to machines taking over their jobs?

<p>Braverman</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Neo-Marxist put forward the Ideological State Apparatus?

<p>Althusser</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Althusser's Ideological State Apparatus?

<p>The means through which society is controlled ideologically, primarily through education and media.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who argues that the education system maintains the position of the ruling class due to cultural capital?

<p>Bourdieu</p> Signup and view all the answers

What have neo-Marxists been praised for?

<p>Keeping Marxism engaged in inequality debates in the 21st century.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has Neo-Marxism, especially Althusser, been criticized?

<p>It offers a view that the working class are unintelligent and easy to fool.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does functionalism criticize the Marxist explanation?

<p>It argues that society is not in conflict and that there is a value consensus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does postmodernism criticize the Marxist explanation?

<p>Marxism is too negative and should include a wider range of factors such as gender and ethnicity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marxist Theory of Social Class Inequality

  • Society is characterized by conflict between the rich (bourgeoisie) and the poor (proletariat).
  • Ruling class exploits the working class, perpetuating capitalism and wealth disparity.

Foundational Concepts

  • Marxism originated from Karl Marx, who criticized capitalist systems.
  • Bourgeoisie refers to the ruling class; proletariat refers to the working class.

Class Consciousness

  • Proletariat initially lacks awareness of their exploitation due to "false class consciousness."
  • Upon realization of exploitation, social unrest is expected to lead to revolution and establishment of communism.

Effects of Capitalism

  • Capitalism polarizes social classes, increasing the gap between the wealthy and the impoverished.
  • Alienation arises as individuals feel unfulfilled and disconnected from their work.

Definitions

  • Capitalism: A system where trade and industry are privately owned for profit, leading to income inequality.
  • Communism: A political theory advocating for public ownership and equal distribution of resources within society.

Neo-Marxism

  • Critiques of traditional Marxism highlight its neglect of middle-class dynamics.
  • Neo-Marxists, like Barbara and John Ehrenreich, assert that the middle class controls education and media, serving ruling class interests.

Key Theorists and Concepts

  • Braverman argues that middle-class workers have faced de-skilling due to industrial automation, reducing their societal control.
  • Althusser introduced the Ideological State Apparatus, emphasizing ideological manipulation through education and media as key societal control mechanisms.
  • Bourdieu argues that the education system maintains ruling class dominance through the advantages of cultural and economic capital, allowing upper classes to access better opportunities.

Contemporary Relevance

  • Neo-Marxists have re-engaged Marxism in discussions about inequality in the 21st century.
  • Criticism of Neo-Marxism includes implying that the working class is naïve and easily manipulated, overlooking their awareness of exploitation.

Critiques of Marxism

  • Functionalism counters Marxist views by promoting a value consensus where shared norms and meritocracy exist.
  • Postmodernism critiques the negative and dated perspective of Marxism, suggesting it should incorporate diverse social factors like gender and ethnicity, rather than solely focusing on class.

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Description

Explore the core concepts of Marxist theory regarding social class inequality. This quiz covers key definitions, the role of the bourgeoisie, and the conflict between the rich and the poor. Perfect for students looking to understand Marxism's critique of capitalism.

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