Marxism Flashcards
(14 cards)
Class= Marx
The ruling class spreads its ideology through institutions (like politics and law) to maintain power. This creates false consciousness, stopping the working class from realizing their exploitation.
Class= Westergaard
Class inequality is growing— the rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. In the late 20th century, the wealthiest 10% saw huge income increases, while the poorest saw little to no change.
Class= Gramsci
The working class hasn’t revolted because the ruling class uses hegemony—persuading some workers to support them. This helps maintain their power by controlling people’s beliefs.
Gender= Engles
The capitalist system mirrors the home—men exploit women. Marriage ensures women’s faithfulness so men can pass inheritance to their biological children.
Gender= Zaretsky
The family gives working-class men a sense of control (unlike at work), making them feel like the “king of the castle.” This stops them from resisting oppression.
Gender= Brugel
Women are a “reserve army of labor”—hired during economic booms and dismissed during slumps. They often work for lower wages and aren’t in trade unions, as their income is seen as secondary.
Ethnicity= Cox
Racism and capitalism are linked—racism wouldn’t exist without capitalism. Slavery helped capitalism grow and justified racial prejudice.
Ethnicity= Castles and Kosack
Immigrant workers in Europe were stuck in low-paid, low-status jobs due to discrimination. Ethnic minorities became a “reserve army of labor”, making them the most disadvantaged in the working class, not a separate underclass.
Ethnicity= Castles Kosack
Racism benefits capitalism by dividing the working class, preventing revolution. It serves three purposes:
Legitimation – Justifies low pay and poor working conditions for ethnic minorities.
Divide and Rule – Stops workers from uniting against capitalism.
Scapegoating – Blames ethnic minorities for social issues, distracting from capitalism as the real cause.
Age= Phillipson
The elderly act as a reserve army of labor—forced to retire but available if needed.
Age= Phillipson and Townsend
Older people are pushed out of work to make room for younger, more efficient workers, increasing profits for the bourgeoisie.
Age= Vincent
Retirement and low pensions are capitalist constructs, not due to inability to work. A moral panic is created, blaming the elderly for economic problems to justify their inequality.
Gender= Benston
Unpaid labour of women helps and supports the capitalist system. Unpaid labour at home traditional jobs. Next generation of workers at no cost for the capitalists dependent on husbands wage. Men have to provide for his wife and children less likely to challenge capitalism.
