Introduction to Marxism

Question 1

What type of theory is Marxism?

Answer 1

Structural theory: Social institutions influence the running of society and individual behaviour.

Conflict theory: The ruling and lower classes are in conflict

Question 2

Outline the structure of society.

Answer 2

Superstructure: Ways of thinking/ideologies. Transferred from social institutions.

Means of production: Natural resources, technology and land.
Relations of production: Workers and owners

These two act as the economic base.

Question 3

Name the two main thinkers of Marxism.

Answer 3

Karl Marx.
Friedrich Engels.

Question 4

According to Marx, society is made up of two classes. Describe who these are.

Answer 4

The bourgeoisie: The owners of the means of production and
the Ruling class.

The proletariat: The workers who are the relations of production
and are oppressed by the bourgeoisie.

Question 5

According to Marxism, what is the importance of the economy?

Answer 5

If you have economic power, you can control/influence the rest of society.

Class is based around economic power = wealth. The economy is the most important
institution.