Marxism Introduction

Question 1

Who was Karl Marx?

Answer 1

Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a philosopher and economist known for his theories on society and economics.

Question 2

In which century did Karl Marx live?

Answer 2

Karl Marx lived in the middle of the 19th century.

Question 3

What was a key focus of Marx’s theories?

Answer 3

Marx’s theories stem from an analysis of European societies 150 years ago.

Question 4

What did Marx observe during his travels through Europe?

Answer 4

Marx observed much poverty and inequality.

Question 5

What did Marx attribute poverty and inequality to?

Answer 5

Marx attributed poverty and inequality to unequal access to resources and ownership of property and wealth.

Question 6

Who did Marx argue was being exploited?

Answer 6

Marx argued that the working class (proletariat) was being exploited by the ruling class (bourgeoisie).

Question 7

Fill in the blank: Marx argued that the _______ was being exploited by the ruling class.

Answer 7

proletariat

Question 8

Fill in the blank: The ruling class is referred to as the _______.

Answer 8

bourgeoisie

Question 9

True or False: Marx believed that poverty was solely a result of individual failings.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

Who are the Bourgeoisie?

Answer 10

The Bourgeoisie or the Capitalist class are the ones who own and control the wealth of a country

Question 11

What do the Bourgeoisie control in society?

Answer 11

The productive forces in society, including land, factories, and machines

Question 12

What is the economic base according to Marx?

Answer 12

The economic base consists of the productive forces in society

Question 13

What is the role of the Proletariat?

Answer 13

The Proletariat can only gain a living by selling their labour power to the bourgeoisie for a price

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The Bourgeoisie control the _______ forces in society.

Answer 14

[productive]

Question 15

According to Hochschild, what types of labor can the Proletariat sell?

Answer 15

Physical products or emotional labour

Question 16

True or False: The Bourgeoisie are the majority in society.

Answer 16

False

Question 17

What are the components of the economic base?

Answer 17

• Land
• Factories
• Machines

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The Bourgeoisie are associated with the _______ class.

Answer 18

[Capitalist]

Question 19

What is the primary means for the Proletariat to earn a living?

Answer 19

Selling their labour power

Question 20

What is the relationship between the bourgeois and the proletariat?

Answer 20

Exploitative

Question 21

How do the bourgeois increase their wealth?

Answer 21

By exploiting the proletariat

Question 22

What is surplus value?

Answer 22

The difference between the wages paid to workers and the market price of what they produce

Question 23

Who extracts surplus value from the worker according to Marx?

Answer 23

The capitalist

Question 24

What does Marx believe about profit in capitalist society?

Answer 24

Profit is basically the accumulated exploitation of workers

Question 25

Fill in the blank: The amount of money the capitalist pays his workers is always _______ the current selling price of what they have produced.

Answer 25

below

Question 26

What is the relationship between the Economic Base and Superstructure according to Marx?

Answer 26

Those who control the Economic Base also control the Superstructure.

Question 27

What does the Economic Base consist of?

Answer 27

The Mode of Production, including forces of production and social relations of production.

Question 28

What is meant by 'Superstructure' in Marxist theory?

Answer 28

All other institutions such as the legal system, mass media, family, education, etc.

Question 29

Fill in the blank: The Economic Base is also referred to as the _______.

Answer 29

Mode of Production

Question 30

True or False: The Superstructure includes economic institutions.

Answer 30

False

Question 31

What are the components that make up the Mode of Production?

Answer 31

Forces of production and social relations of production.

Question 32

According to Marx, who has political power in society?

Answer 32

Those who have wealth or economic power.

Question 33

List three examples of institutions that are part of the Superstructure.

Answer 33

* Legal system * Mass media * Education

Question 34

What is a criticism of Marx's concept of social class?

Answer 34

It is considered too simplistic; there are several social classes today ## Footnote Many people do not identify with others in their social class.

Question 35

What has been proved wrong regarding Marx's predictions?

Answer 35

The predictions about capitalism ending and the inevitable success of communism ## Footnote This was notably demonstrated by the collapse of communism.

Question 36

How has capitalism changed since Marx's time?

Answer 36

It appears to work for more people and is less exploitative ## Footnote This change may explain why capitalism continues to thrive.

Question 37

What aspect of inequality does Marx completely ignore?

Answer 37

Gender inequality ## Footnote This oversight leads to a lack of consideration for the oppression of women.