Class struggle

Definition

Class struggle refers to the conflict between different classes in society, primarily between the bourgeoisie (the ruling class or capitalists) and the proletariat (the working class). This concept highlights how economic inequality leads to social tension, which can manifest in various ways, such as protest, revolution, or artistic expression. It connects deeply with urban narratives, showcasing how cities can become battlegrounds for these competing interests and ideologies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Class struggle has been a prominent theme in various artistic movements, particularly in film, where it is used to critique social injustices and economic disparities.
2. In dystopian narratives, class struggle often manifests through oppressive regimes that maintain power over the working class, highlighting themes of rebellion and resistance.
3. New Hollywood films frequently showcase the city as a site of corruption where the struggles between classes unfold against a backdrop of crime and moral ambiguity.
4. Bollywood cinema has increasingly depicted urban life as a space where class tensions are palpable, reflecting the realities of economic disparity in the Indian metropolis.
5. Class struggle not only shapes individual lives but also influences broader societal changes, as collective movements emerge from the grievances of the working class.

Review Questions

• How does class struggle manifest in dystopian urban landscapes, and what implications does it have for societal dynamics?
  • In dystopian urban landscapes, class struggle often appears through stark contrasts between affluent elites and impoverished masses. These settings amplify tensions by visually representing economic disparities and the consequences of systemic oppression. The struggle becomes a catalyst for rebellion, allowing characters to challenge authority and fight for social justice, which ultimately highlights the potential for change within oppressive systems.
• Analyze how New Hollywood films depict the relationship between crime and class struggle within urban settings.
  • New Hollywood films frequently portray urban environments as gritty backdrops where crime is both a product and a reflection of class struggle. Characters from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often resort to illegal activities as a means of survival against systemic inequalities. The narrative complexities reveal how crime intersects with social issues like poverty and corruption, creating a rich commentary on the struggles faced by marginalized communities within cities.
• Evaluate the representation of class struggle in Bollywood films set in Indian metropolises and its impact on social consciousness.
  • Bollywood films set in Indian metropolises often vividly illustrate class struggle by depicting characters from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds navigating their lives amid rapid urbanization. These films engage with themes of aspiration, disillusionment, and resistance against systemic barriers. By portraying these struggles on screen, they not only entertain but also raise awareness about pressing social issues like poverty, inequality, and corruption, fostering a deeper understanding of urban realities among audiences.

Related terms

Bourgeoisie: The capitalist class who own most of society's wealth and means of production, often contrasted with the working class.

Proletariat: The working class who sell their labor for wages and do not own the means of production, often seen as exploited by the bourgeoisie.

Alienation: A social condition where individuals feel disconnected from their work, products, or communities, often linked to capitalist societies and class struggle.