Classical Marxism

• What type of theory is Classical Marxism?

  Structural theory (macro theory)
• What does Marx see as the economic base of society?

  The forces and relations of production
• What arises from the economic base according to Marx?

  The superstructure of society
• How does Marx view progress and social change?

  As a struggle leading to communism
• What role does education play in Classical Marxism?

  • Reproduces social class structure
  • Justifies class hierarchies
  • Instills acceptance of authority
  • Allocates jobs based on class, not merit
• How does the family contribute to socialization in Classical Marxism?

  • Socializes children into the status quo
  • Teaches acceptance of authority
  • Acts as a unit of consumption
• What does Marx believe about religion's role in society?

  It prevents social change and maintains status quo
• What term did Marx use to describe religion's effect on the working class?

  The opiate of the masses
• How does Marx view the implementation of laws?

  As an illusion of state interest in the working class
• What are the key features of Classical Marxism according to Marx?

  • Society divided by economic conflict
  • Bourgeoisie own means of production
  • Proletariat sell labor power
  • Exploitation leads to class conflict
• What is the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?

  The bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat for profit
• What is class consciousness according to Classical Marxism?

  Aware of exploitation and class interests
• What does Marx predict about the future of capitalism?

  It will lead to a proletariat revolution
• What is false class consciousness?

  Unawareness of exploitation by the working class
• What mechanisms does the state use to control the working class?

  • Ideological control through religion
  • Repressive state apparatus (police, army)
  • Legal systems to maintain order
• What does Marx predict will happen after a proletariat revolution?

  A classless communist society will emerge
• Where did Marx expect the first revolution to occur?

  In the most advanced capitalist societies
• What is a criticism of Marx's predictions about revolution?

  They have not occurred as he expected
• What do functionalists argue against Classical Marxism?

  • Society is based on value consensus
  • Creates social order and stability
  • Bourgeoisie make concessions to proletariat
• What is a key critique of Marx's view of class divisions?

  It is simplistic and one-dimensional
• How does Weber's view differ from Marx's regarding class?

  Weber includes status and power differences
• What do feminists argue about Marx's view of inequality?

  Gender is a more fundamental source of inequality
• What is a criticism of Marx's two-class model?

  It oversimplifies class divisions in society
• What is the outcome of class polarisation according to Marx?

  It leads to extreme class opposites
• What has happened to the middle class in Western societies?

  It has grown extensively
• What do postmodernists argue about social class?

  It is no longer a major factor in society
• What is economic determinism in Marx's theory?

  Economic factors solely cause social change
• How do critics view Marx's Economic Base-Superstructure Model?

  It fails to recognize human free will
• What role do ideas play according to Weber's critique of Marx?

  Ideas helped bring modern capitalism into being
• What is a significant outcome of the collapse of Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union?

  Desire for western-style democracies replaced communism
• What are the two types of neo-Marxism?

  1. Humanistic (critical) Marxism

  • Emphasizes free will and agency

  1. Structural (scientific) Marxism

  • Views individuals as manipulated by structures
• What is the positivist outlook in Marx's theory?

  Understanding society scientifically for improvement
• How does Structuralist Marxism view Marxism?

  As a science discovering laws of capitalism
• How does Humanist Marxism differ from Structuralist Marxism?

  It emphasizes qualitative methods and free will
• What are the exam questions related to Marxist concepts and criticisms?

  1. Outline and explain two Marxist concepts (10)
  2. Outline and explain two criticisms of Classical Marxism (10)
  3. Evaluate the relevance of Marxist theories today (20)