Marxist 40 Flashcards
(24 cards)
What did Frederick Douglass assert about power?
Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.
What is the basis of much of Marxist ideology regarding power?
Those in power will not willingly give up their control unless challenged.
What does Marx believe is the major conflict in society?
The conflict between the Bourgeoisie and the Proletariat.
How do the Bourgeoisie and Proletariat relate to modern terminology?
The Bourgeoisie can be seen as the 1% and the Proletariat as the 99%.
What is the significance of the wealth held by the eight richest people in the world?
They hold the same wealth as half of the global population—3.6 billion people.
What did Marx believe was necessary for ordinary people to gain power?
To come together to overthrow the ruling class.
What are the three key ways power operates according to Stephen Lukes?
- Making decisions
- Preventing certain decisions
- Shaping people’s beliefs
What is the term used by Althusser to describe institutions that condition people to accept their position?
Ideological state apparatus.
What concept does Balibar describe as a ‘false state of consciousness’?
People believing the system is fair when it benefits only the elite.
What is Gramsci’s concept of cultural hegemony?
The ruling class controls ideas and beliefs, making their views seem natural and beneficial for all.
What did the Brexit vote illustrate about voter behavior?
Voters can reject expert advice and make independent decisions.
According to C. Wright Mills, what are the three main groups controlling power in modern society?
- Military
- Politicians
- Big businesses
What is the ‘power elite’ as described by Mills?
A small group of wealthy and influential people connected across government, business, and military.
What did Ralph Miliband argue about the British elite?
A small group of wealthy men control important decisions behind closed doors.
What do some Marxists believe Parliament functions as?
A ‘talking shop’—a place for debate rather than real action.
What do Marxists advocate for to fix the power system?
Taking power from the bourgeoisie and giving it to workers through direct democracy.
What do neo-liberal thinkers believe about ordinary people’s political involvement?
Most people don’t want the responsibility of constant political participation.
What is Robert Dahl’s concept of polyarchy?
A system where power is shared between different groups and individuals.
What do Marxists argue about Dahl’s view of power?
It ignores hidden groups that hold power and the impact of corporate lobbyists.
What does Gaventa’s power cube model explain?
Power exists in three forms: visible, invisible, and hidden.
Fill in the blank: Gramsci argues that the ruling class maintains power through _______.
[cultural hegemony]
True or False: Pluralists believe that a small group controls people’s ideas.
False
What historical example illustrates the struggle for rights and justice?
Trade unions, the Chartists, and the Peasants’ Revolt.
What is the Marxist view on how oppressed groups gain rights?
By actively fighting for them.
