Understanding Marxist Theory: Analyzing Class Conflict and Social Change

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO MARXIST THEORY HSB4U

2. KARL MARX • German philosopher (1818-1883) • Most notable work is The Communist • Manifesto (1848) • “All I know is I am no Marxist”

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. MARX’S CRITIQUE OF CAPITALISM Capitalism is… • Exploitative • Alienating • Undemocratic • Irrational • Environmentally destructive • Prone to war

7. 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

8. 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 division • Economy democratically controlled • Social equality exists and all forms of oppression would disappear • The environment would be respected • No profits for a minority of people • Work would be fulfilling

9. 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

10. Connections to Other Theories Conflict Theory Cultural Materialism

11. “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

12. 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)