Marxism

• Marxism is a conflict theory.
• Marxism is named after Karl Marx.
• Marxism is a structural theory like functionalism.
• Marxism believes all individuals in society are passive.
• Marxists see the economic organization of society as responsible for the behaviour of individuals.
• • The economy is the basis for society!
  • The "economic base" or "infrastructure".
• What is the economic system we live in called?

  Capitalism
• How is capitalism defined?

  It is an economic and political system where trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.
• Who are the two distinct social classes identified by Marx?

  The bourgeoisie and the proletariat
• What does Marx believe about the relationship between the ruling class and the working class?

  He believes there is conflict between the two classes due to exploitation and inequality.
• What are the key characteristics of capitalism according to Marx?

  • Controlled by private owners
  • Focused on profit generation
  • Leads to class division
  • Causes exploitation and inequality
• Who owns the means of production according to Marxism?

  The bourgeoisie
• What are the components of the means of production owned by the bourgeoisie?


  • Tools
  • Factories
  • Land
  • Natural resources (raw materials)
  • Technology
• What do the proletariat own according to Marxism?

  Their time and ability to work
• Why do the proletariat sell their time and ability to work?

  To receive a wage
• What is the primary interest of the bourgeoisie in a capitalist society?

  Maximizing profit for themselves
• How do the bourgeoisie achieve profit maximization according to Marxism?

  • Underpaying the proletariat
  • Overworking the proletariat
• What terms describe the treatment of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie?

  Exploitation and inequality
• What is the focus of Marxism in relation to social institutions?

  Marxism analyzes the relationship between social institutions and the economic base.
• What are the key social institutions identified in Marxism?


  • Family
  • Education
  • Media
  • Healthcare
  • Economy
  • Law & Government
  • Work
  • Religion
  • Politics
• How does the economic base relate to social institutions in Marxism?

  The economic base works with social institutions to form the superstructure.
• What is the relationship between the economic base and the superstructure in Marxism?

  The economic base influences and shapes the superstructure formed by social institutions.
• How does the bourgeoisie influence ideology in society?

  They control the economy, allowing them to shape societal beliefs to serve their interests.
• What class controls the economy according to the study material?

  The bourgeoisie
• What is the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the rest of society as described in the study material?

  The bourgeoisie uses their economic control to influence the ideology of the rest of society.
• How does education affect the working class according to the material?

  Education socializes the working class into subservient and passive individuals who accept class inequality as the norm.
• What phrase is used to describe religion's role in society?

  Religion is the "opiate of the masses."
• How does the mass media contribute to class inequality?

  The mass media is used by the bourgeoisie to transmit messages that reinforce their ideas and perpetuate class inequality.
• What is the primary purpose of the bourgeoisie using mass media?

  To perpetuate class inequality in the pursuit of profit.
• What term did Marx use to describe the working class's unawareness of their exploitation?


  False consciousness
• What did Marx predict would happen as inequality in society became more apparent?

  Workers would become aware of their exploitation
• How does the proletariat transition from false consciousness to class consciousness according to Marx?

  By recognizing their common interests
• What action do the proletariat take once they achieve class consciousness?

  They seize the means of production through revolution
• What is the ultimate goal of the proletariat's revolution according to Marx?

  To put the means of production into public ownership
• What societal change does Marx envision following the proletariat's revolution?

  Moving society from capitalism to communism
• What is one criticism of Marx's theory regarding individual perspectives?

  It ignores the view of the individual.
• What is another criticism of Marx's theory related to social classes?

  It ignores that there may be more than two classes.
• What assumption does Marx make about the economy's role in society?

  He assumes the economy is the center of society.
• What does Marx assume about the proletariat's working conditions?


  He assumes the proletariat is overworked and underpaid.
• What assumption does Marx make regarding job satisfaction?

  He assumes there is no job satisfaction.