Neo-Marxist Theorys Of Inequality

Question 1

What is economic determinism

Answer 1

Social inequality found by looking at the economic relationships between the capitalists and the WC. The infrastructure ( capitalism ) shapes the superstructure (society)

Question 2

What is the difference between Marxism and neo-Marxism

Answer 2

Neo-Marxists reject economic determinism. Most of them look at control of ideas or ideology as a cause of inequality. Therefore many neo-Marxists look at the ownership and control of the media.

Question 3

Gramsci

Answer 3

. Capitalists control society through economics and creation of ideas about society
. Ruling class create a situation that the majority of the population agree to there ideas without question.
. HEGEMONY- the rich can rule because the poor are taught to accept the situation by religion and education. False class consciousness.
. Stritnati - criticises the view as he says it is too simple and ignores the complexity of society.

Question 4

Althusser

Answer 4

. Repressive state apparatus
. Ideological state apparatus
. Reinforce the rule of capital is through eh maintenance of ideas and train people to think uncritically about capitalism.

Question 5

The Frankfurt school

Answer 5

. Group of intellectuals that challenged natzism.
. They were particularly interested in the importance of the media and propaganda
. Suggested media had turned into a commodity that could be brought ans sold.
. It acted as a drug teaching the poor to accept their ideas of the ruling class.
.critics argue that the schools ideas were s form of conspiracy theory and do not take into account the complexity of modern society.

Question 6

Mode of production

Answer 6

The way a society produces necessities of life . Combo of means and relations of production

Question 7

Means of production

Answer 7

The land,factories,machines,tech and labour power needed to produce goods

Question 8

Relations of production

Answer 8

The relationship between those who own the means of production than those who do not

Question 9

Assessment of neomarxist theory

Answer 9

. Little to np supporting evidence
. Presents govt and ruling class as plotting to keep the workers down this is simplistic
.view all social relationships in terms of conflict and between groupings however it is possible for different social groups to share aims and values
. Feminists argue neo-Marxists overlook gender and they just focus on the economy

Question 10

Piketty

Answer 10

Used official stats and economic data to argue that wealth inequality will increase in the future as Marx predicted. He says inequality is a feature of capitalism and if not dealt with then democracy is under threat.