Marxism

• What are conflict theories?

  Observations that there are social inequalities between different social groups
• What is ideology?

  A system of ideas which have values, expectations and ideals that are used to justify actions and instituitions
• Why is the theory called "Marxism"?

  Karl Marx concluded that there are class divisions in society
• What, for Marx, are the key divisions in society?

  Bourgeoisie vs Proletariat
• What is Capitalism?

  Economic system where private individuals and businesses own and operate the means of production
• Who are the Bourgeoisie?

  The upper class who owns the means of production
• Who are the Proletariat?

  The lower class that are exploited and work hard labour
• What are the means of production?

  • Lands
  • Factories
  • Machinery
• How does Capitalism create exploitation according to Marx?

  Most profits from businesses go to the bourgeoisie instead of the proletariat

  The proletariat work long labour hours just to receive a low wage
• What is alienation?

  Feeling disconnected or isolated from oneself, others, or society.
• Give an example of alienation

  Workers carry out one repetitive task and never feel like they were involved in the outcome
• ALTHUSSER : What are "Ideological State Apparatuses"?

  Institutions that help maintain social order by influencing people on how they behave and think
• What is a "false class consciousness"?

  When someone is unaware of being exploited
• Who is under a false class consciousness in society?

  Proletariat
• What would happen after the revolution for Marx?

  What would this new society look like?

  Working class would become aware of being exploited and would overthrow Capitalism to create a Communist society
• What is the infrastructure?

  Economic system that provides for people's material needs

  (Capitalism)
• What is the superstructure?

  All cultural institutions included in society
• Give 2 examples of the superstructure

  • Family
  • Education system
• What are the key weaknesses of Marxism?

  • Assumes that working class is passive / brainwashed into a false class consciousness by the Capitalist ideology
  • Exaggerates the inequality of the working class
  • Overfocuses on the divisions and inequalities of class
  • Has falsely predicted revolution