Marxism

• Structural theory= society shapes human’s behavior.
• Conflict theory= conflict between classes

  • because we live in a capitalist society (private business allows a small number to become mega rich, majority remain poor)
• Ruling class (Bourgeoisie)= rich + powerful, own businesses.
• Working class (proletariat)= everyone else, work for the ruling class.
• Karl Marx
• Ruling class owns the means of production (e.g. land, factories)
• Working class own nothing.
• Working class forced to work for ruling class because they don’t own anything
• Ruling class exploits their workers by paying them very little, make lots of profit
• Working class are in a state of false class consciousness= not aware of their real identity as exploited workers
• Fooled into thinking that society is fair and meritocratic= hard work is rewarded
• Focus on class conflict= fail to consider other sources of conflict e.g. gender + ethnicity
• Over-emphasis on the working class
• Out-dated= ignored Middle and underclass
• Ignore agency + choice= surely we’re not just sim brainwashed