Marxist Theory

Definition

Marxist theory is a socioeconomic and political ideology developed by Karl Marx that analyzes the relationship between social classes, the means of production, and the exploitation of labor. It serves as a framework for understanding the dynamics of capitalism, communism, and authoritarianism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marxist theory views capitalism as an inherently exploitative system where the bourgeoisie exploit the labor of the proletariat for profit.
2. According to Marxism, the only way to end this exploitation is through a proletarian revolution that overthrows the capitalist system and establishes a socialist or communist society.
3. Marxist theory argues that the state is a tool used by the ruling class to maintain their power and control over the means of production.
4. Marxism emphasizes the role of class consciousness and the need for the proletariat to recognize their shared interests and unite in order to achieve a successful revolution.
5. Marxist theory has influenced the development of various communist and socialist political movements and regimes, such as the Soviet Union, China, and Cuba.

Review Questions

• Explain how Marxist theory views the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, and how this relationship is central to the concept of class struggle.
  • According to Marxist theory, the bourgeoisie, or the owners of the means of production, exploit the labor of the proletariat, or the working class, in order to generate profit. This inherent conflict between the two classes is the driving force behind the concept of class struggle. Marxists believe that the proletariat must rise up and overthrow the bourgeoisie in order to end this exploitation and establish a more equitable socialist or communist society.
• Describe the Marxist view of the state and its role in maintaining the power of the ruling class.
  • Marxist theory posits that the state is a tool used by the ruling class, the bourgeoisie, to maintain their power and control over the means of production. The state, in this view, serves to protect the interests of the capitalist class and to suppress any challenges or resistance from the proletariat. Marxists argue that the state must be abolished or radically transformed as part of the proletarian revolution in order to establish a classless, communist society.
• Analyze the influence of Marxist theory on the development of communist and socialist political movements and regimes throughout history.
  • Marxist theory has had a profound impact on the emergence and evolution of various communist and socialist political movements and regimes around the world. From the Soviet Union and China to Cuba and other nations, Marxist principles of class struggle, the abolition of private property, and the establishment of a centralized, state-controlled economy have been the foundation for many revolutionary and authoritarian political systems. While the specific implementations have varied, the core tenets of Marxist theory have been a driving force behind the creation of these alternative economic and political models that have challenged the capitalist status quo.

Related terms

Dialectical Materialism: The Marxist philosophical concept that views social and historical progress as the result of the conflict and resolution of opposing forces or contradictions within a society.

Class Struggle: The Marxist concept that the inherent conflict between the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (the working class) is the driving force of social change and revolution.

Surplus Value: The Marxist concept that the difference between the value created by a worker and the wage they receive is exploited by the capitalist, who retains this surplus value as profit.