HSB4U
AN INTRODUCTION TO MARXIST THEORY
KARL MARX
• German philosopher (1818-1883)
• Most notable work is The Communist
Manifesto (1848)
• “All I know is I am no Marxist”
MARX’S VIEWS
Was a materialist – to understand society, we have to understand how it organizes production
Forces of Production – land, technology, skills, knowledge, etc.
Social Relations of Production – who controls the forces of production, and how
The forces of production will come into conflict with the relations of production
CLASS STRUCTURE OF SOCIETY
Those is the top class control the wealth, and those in the lower class do most of the work that produces the wealth = exploitation
This exploitation is the basis of class conflict
Historical examples of class conflict i.e. slave vs slave holder, feudal lord vs peasant; can you think of modern examples??
Capitalists (bourgeoisie) vs workers (proletariat) are Marx’s focus
Bourgeoisie alienates proletariat
THE ECONOMIC BASE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
Economic Base – the forces and relations of production (i.e. the bourgeoisie and proletariat)
Superstructure – the legal and political structures of society
The economic base influences the superstructure; economic power is the basis of all other types of power
The bourgeoisie, therefore, control society’s institutions to help maintain the status quo (capitalism)
MARX’S CRITIQUE OF CAPITALISM
Capitalism is…
ExploitativeAlienatingUndemocraticIrrationalEnvironmentally destructiveProne to war
DIALECTICAL UNDERSTANDING OF CLASS SOCIETY
Eventually the bourgeoisie and proletariat will conflict giving rise to a new economic system
The large workforce under capitalism will realize they are being exploited, and will mobilize a start a popular revolution
This will create a new social order where the workers are in charge of production
COMMUNISM/SOCIALISM
In his writings, Marx says very little about what a socialist or communist society would look like
What he does say:Cooperation rather than divisionEconomy democratically controlled Social equality exists and all forms of oppression
would disappearThe environment would be respectedNo profits for a minority of peopleWork would be fulfilling
CRITIQUES OF MARXISM
Marx’s theory has failed in practice
Marx’s views are in conflict with human nature
Capitalism has changed since Marx’s day, so his criticisms are no longer relevant
Connections to Other Theories
Conflict Theory
Cultural Materialism
“Citizen Journalism”
Also known as “public,” “participatory,” “democratic,” “guerilla,” or “street” journalism
Citizens play an active role in collecting, reporting, analysing, and disseminating news and information
Made possible by new media technology (social networking, smart phones)
Criticisms: unregulated, too subjective
Application to Our Unit
How might Marxist Theorists view citizen journalism?
Consider “citizen journalism” in light of the unit essential question: have advances in technology been good for people?
As we watch Fruitvale Station, think about the application of Marx’s theory (and Conflict Theory and Cultural Materialism)
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