Class struggle

Definition

Class struggle refers to the ongoing conflict between different social classes, particularly between the ruling class and the working class, as they contend for power, resources, and social equity. This concept highlights the inherent tensions in societies where economic disparities exist, often leading to social change and reform. Class struggle is a significant theme in literature, as it captures the struggles of individuals and groups against oppression and exploitation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Class struggle plays a central role in various literary movements, notably Realism and Naturalism, which often depict the lives of the working class and their challenges.
2. Esteban Echeverría's 'The Slaughter Yard' serves as an illustration of class struggle by highlighting the brutal treatment of the lower classes by those in power, showcasing the violence inherent in societal inequalities.
3. Machado's works delve into psychological depths that reveal the internal conflicts arising from class struggles, emphasizing how these struggles affect individual identity and social interactions.
4. Realism seeks to portray everyday life, particularly of the lower classes, exposing the harsh realities of their existence as a form of critique against societal norms and injustices.
5. Naturalism extends this critique by suggesting that social conditions, heredity, and environment shape individuals' fates, often leading to a deterministic view of class struggle.

Review Questions

• How does Esteban Echeverría illustrate class struggle in 'The Slaughter Yard'?
  • 'The Slaughter Yard' vividly portrays class struggle through its depiction of the brutal reality faced by the lower classes. Echeverría uses imagery and symbolism to highlight the oppressive nature of society where the ruling elite exploit and dehumanize the poor. The narrative illustrates how systemic violence maintains power dynamics, making it clear that class conflict is not just a background theme but a driving force within the story.
• In what ways do Machado's works reflect psychological aspects of class struggle?
  • Machado's works provide insight into the psychological dimensions of class struggle by exploring how socioeconomic conditions influence characters' mental states and relationships. His characters often grapple with feelings of alienation, despair, and conflict that arise from their positions within a rigid class structure. This exploration emphasizes that class struggle is not solely an external conflict but also deeply affects individual psyche and identity.
• Evaluate how Realism and Naturalism both address class struggle and its implications in Latin American literature.
  • Realism focuses on representing everyday life and social issues, emphasizing the struggles faced by ordinary people, particularly from lower classes. It critiques societal norms that perpetuate inequality. Naturalism takes this further by suggesting that individuals are products of their environment, genetics, and social conditions. Both movements highlight the harsh realities of class struggle while advocating for awareness and potential change in society. Together, they reveal how literature can serve as a mirror reflecting societal injustices.

Related terms

Proletariat: The working class in a capitalist society, who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.

Bourgeoisie: The middle or upper class who own the means of production and are often seen as oppressors of the working class.

Socialism: A political and economic theory advocating for collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.