Marxism Flashcards
(28 cards)
what kind of theory is marxism and what approach does it take
marxism is both a conflict and structural theory. it takes a top down approach
What did Key theorist Karl Marx write about class
Key theorist Karl marx wrote that all societies since the end of primitive communism have been divided into two major classes
what are the two major classes in a capitalist society
the bourgeouise and the proletariat
what is the marxist defintion of class
class is a social group whose members share the same relationship to the means of production
what are the features of the proletariat
the proletariat own only their labour which they are forced to sell to survive
what are the features of the bourgeoise
the bourgeoise own the means of production, they are reliant on the working classes labour to generate surplus value
how do the bourgeouise exploit the proletariat
ownership of the material forces of production are the means to exploit the proletariat
what does power over economic infrastructure translate itno
power over economic infrastructure translates into political power
how do the bourgeouise keep the exploitative class structure in place
the exploitative class structure is kept in place through ideological state apparatus
what institutions are used to spread ruling class ideology and create a false class conciousness
media and education are used to spread ruling class ideology and create a false class conciousness
what do marxists state about the myth of meritocracy
Marxist’s state that the myth of meritocracy is spread, convincing the masses that those who work hard enough will be rewarded, yet this is a lie to maintain the status quo and social mobility is not a possibility.
why is the marxist theory relevant in modern sociology?
The Marxist theory is relevant in modern sociology as capitalist societies continue to be fundamentally stratified by systematic inequalities that impact access to property, jobs and life chances. for example, it can be seen in Scotland’s attainment gap.
criticisms of marxism
the two class model is outdated and its economic reductionism
why is the two class model outdated?
It is not reflective of the complex social classes that have evolved since the diversifaction of the working class and widening of the middle class.
why is marx’s economic reductionism critiqued
In its assurance that the economic base determines social and political development, other dimensions of society and their impact on societal structure are neglected
what are the strengths of marcxism
the theory highlights the processes that generate and maintain inequality. By offering insight into the systematic nature of class stratification, and how tools such as ideological hegemony are used to maintain the status quo,
its strengths are explaining why there is such an uneven distribution of power between social classes whilst also highlighting how this persists.
what is the book written by Westergaard and Resler 1976?
Class in a Capitalist Society (1976)
what do Westergaard and Resler 1976 deny?
Westergaard and Resler deny britian has become classless, stating instead that class has never been more relevant.
what do Westergaard and Resler 1976 state is the root cause of britian’s inequality
Westergaard and Resler 1976 state that the western capitalist economic system is the root cause of Britian’s inequality
They outline the that inequalities of income distribution and wealth have not what?
They outline the that inequalities of income distribution and wealth have not declined as widely believed
what evidence is there that inequalities of income distrubution and wealth have not decilned?
the richest 5-10% of the population controlled the ownership of capital and this private ownership is the root of inequality.
data is also presented on the inequality in income after all taxes. An overall trend of income inequality widening between 1961 and 1970 is suggested.
how do westergaard and resler 1976 first support marxist theory?
The study first supports Marxist theory when it highlights the myth of meritocracy being present within British society.
what evidence do westergaard and resler 1976 have on the myth of meritocracy
A table on the trend of class inequalities of opportunity for entry to university shows that the already wealthy are more likely to be accepted into courses. This results in the working class having reduced opportunities to pursue further education, making the long-term access to well-paying jobs more difficult and preventing class mobility.
This supports the Marxist perspective that class is a closed system, as Westergaard and Resler’s data shows Britain as a largely closed society with restrictided opportunity for working class
what is westergaards second book published in 1995?
Who Gets What, The Hardening of Class Inequalities in the late Twentieth Century”
