Essay on The Pros and Cons of Marxism
The ideology of Marxism, established by German philosopher Karl Marx, is a collectively known
set of assumptions of a political ideology, which focuses especially on analysis of materialist
interpretation of historical development, or on class struggle within the society. The primarily
approach of Marxism, nonetheless, was the critique of capitalism. The strength of his inquiry lies
in belief of inevitable shift from capitalism and he aims to advocate the new form of ideology and
economy, the socialism. The title of this essay is provocative as in todayВґs world, there exist many
proponents who claim, the core of Marx conception of ideology is still relevant in the 21st
globalised world. However, Marxism is relevant to the extent to which...show more content...
Manifesto deals with "Bourgeois and Proletarians", where he is asserting that bourgeois is
constantly trying to maximize its profit by exploiting proletarians and their manual labour. Marx
and Engels claim "The history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggle". At
this point it is almost certain, why IR influenced Marx as much as he came up with idea of
socialism and yet, of communism. Secondarily, the (FR) in France from 1789 to 1799 was another
radical and political event in the worldwide history. Marx and Engels based their analysis of the
FR, as a series of class struggle. Both concluded, that in society of material inequality it is
impossible to reach an actual freedom, considering the slogans of IR "Liberty, Equality and
Fraternality", if the society is divided into exploiters and exploited, meaning Bourgeoisie and
Proletariat. This observation was vital to MarxВґs concept.
The next section draws attention on the central feature of Marxist approach, the historical
materialism. The "Materialist Conception of history" was to the Critique of Political Economy; the
fundamental argument here, is that economics is the motor for the history as a whole; in other
words, Marxists argue that the procedure of historical changes is in analyse,
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Neo Marxist Perspective On Mass Media
Mass Media forms such as television, radio, and the press are predominantly owned by the
bourgeoisie, increasing the likelihood that the media is filled with capitalist ideologies encoded in
the texts to be decoded and consumed by the masses. The extract 'Media as Manipulation? Marxism
and Ideology' from 'Media, Culture and Society: An Introduction' by P. Hodkinson (2011) explores
several Marxist and Neo–Marxist perspectives on mass media. It also discusses the ways in which
the media influences life in a capitalist society. This summary will provide a critical review of the
extract and the various perspectives it presents.
The extract begins by introducing the founder of Marxism– Karl Marx and establishing the
fundamental ideologies of Marxism. Marxism is a critical perspective that generally focuses on the
oppressive and exploitative nature of capitalist society. The fundamental argument of Marxism is
that the proletariat is exploited by the bourgeoisie to sustain a state of capitalism. 'The capitalist
system perpetuates the power of the bourgeoisie, who control the means of production and ensure
the subversion of the proletariat, whose labour is hired in order to produce objects that generate
wealth.' (Hodkinson, 2011; 106) Marx claims this interdependent class relationship is maintained
through a false consciousness achieved using societal aspects including the media to distract from
the harsh reality of capitalism– this is known as the mode of production. Karl Marx

My Opinion About About Marxism
My opinion about about Marxism
I will start by saying I admire both the great Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels whom through their
ideas and inspiration gave birth to Marxism.
Marx was a creative,idealist and a determinist scholar who was willing to change his mind when
he's confronted with new ideas. I also believe that there were two Marx in the sense that the young
Marx was more of revolutionist while the matured Marx was more of economist.
I wouldn't want to discuss in details about Marx's ideas but I believe that he was one of the greatest
political scientist in the seventh century whose theories about society, economics and politics created
the term Marxism. Marx basically believed that human societies progress through class...show more
content...
It's also been proven from history that all countries which had a central planing committee and fully
practiced communism couldn't survive. Soviet Union is one example
Why because Adam Smith made it clear with his famous phrase 'the invisible hand of the market'
and also from the principles of economics we learned that trade can make every one better off.
Even though china describe itself as socialist in Marxist sense I don't think so because the Chinese
kind of socialist support the creation of social market dominated by the public sector which is
contrary to the principles of Marxist.
It clear that if Deng Xiao Ping hadn't step in with his reform policies china would have fallen like
any other form of socialist state.
The bottom line is Marx offered his ideas and thought about how the society needs to be and since
this has to do with a society, we need to study them carefully before we put them in to practice.
China has done a great job by mixing it up with a bit of democrats and bit of socialism, that's what I
call best of both world. I would rather prefer to use social democrat to describe china rather than
communist.
Now the world can watch and learn from

Marxism : The Theory Of Marxism
Keith Nunez
May 5, 2014
ENG 390
Final Marxism
The theory of Marxism was founded on the ideas created by Karl Marx, he stated that materialism
has become part of our nature and that it has created grounds on how we live in our reality.
Marxist criticism argues that literature shows a reflection on reality, specifically how the power of
social institutions have affected not only the economic world but the mind and ideals of society.
Through literature we can see the mental difference in characters based on their social standing.
The difference in class is referred to as socioeconomic; Marxists believe that the socioeconomic
divide is much stronger than that of race, gender, religion and intelligence. We see through the
difference in class levels that the poorer characters tend to have issues that revolve around the word
that they live in; while more wealthy characters tend to have more selfish problems. Marxist
addresses the classes as follows: The Bourgeoisie, those who have and are fortunate; the proletariat,
the have nots/ laborers. We will see through the stories of the characters from our literary works how
the issues of the two classes differ, and how they affect the groups internally. I believe that this
theory is important to literature because much of what Marxism creates a foundation on is how the
literature that we study is a direct reflection of our reality, and through the study of this theory we
can better understand this "reality" that we have found ourselves

Marxism And Socialism Essay
Can democratic socialism achieve Marxist socialism?
Marx and Engels' The Communist Manifesto states, "The first step in the revolution by the working
class, is to raise the proletariat to the position of ruling class, to win the battle of democracy"
(1888:32). Marx predicted that once proletariats had seized power, the state would abolish capitalism
through collective ownership, taking economic control away from the free market and subsequently
liberating society from alienation and oppression. This would give rise to a socialist society of
equality, ultimately leading to communism. This essay discusses the strengths and limitations of
democratic socialism in achieving Marxist socialism. In the UK democratic socialism has bought
about...show more content...
Rather than eradicate capitalism, socialism exists within it. Moreover, democratic socialism is
characterised through the balance and compromise between free market capitalism and the
Governmental state (Bernstein 1993: 142, Heywood 2012:128, Anderson 1985: 10). Marx
considered socialism as a class movement, which is what subsequently played out in the political
realm, once universal suffrage had been achieved. For previously powerless people it was the only
peaceful way to be heard: "Electoral politics constitutes the mechanism through which anyone can as
a citizen express claims to goods and services." (Przeworski 1985:11).
The most notable examples of effective legislation for achieving socialist ends are the universal
vote being achieved with the 'Representation of the people act' in 1928, Attlee's rolling out of the
welfare state in 1945, and 'The Equal Pay Act' of 1970.
In response to the Beveridge report, Keynesian economics were adapted by the Labour Government
to use taxation to fund a welfare state. The key objective being to control inequality and oppression
of poverty, through widely available services such as healthcare, education, workers' rights and
welfare support. The Attlee Government (1945 – 1951) nationalised major industries of coal steel
and electricity, hoping to regulate the economy (Heywood 2012:109), providing basics services
without exploitation through commodification, as a means of ensuring provision of fundamental
needs to all of

Introduction:
Since the emerge of the societies and social life, political theorists tried to develop frameworks
and ideas in order to explain main causes of incidents that occur in international relations. Two
German thinkers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels developed a theory mainly based on a materialist
view of history and society in early 1900s, which is commonly referred as Marxism. Since its'
introduction to the political science Marxism have become one of the core schools of thoughts in
international relations.
However, Marxism in practice has evolved and shown differentiations from the initial thoughts and
ideas argued by Marx and Engel. Especially Bolshevik leaders such as Lenin and Stalin have
interpreted Marx's ideas...show more content...
Reign of Socialist dictatorship 3. Evolution of the socialist ideas within the society and the creation
of communist state 4. Establishment of the classless society[6].
To summarise the points and the arguments above, Marxism believes that Capitalism has an
inevitable end, because the system has internal problems, which cannot be repaired under
Capitalism. Under Capitalist regimes, the number of members of the working class will increase,
and the living conditions will worsen in the future. Hence, the system will inevitably propel itself to
collapse and the collapse of the Capitalism will create new paths for humanity to reach more
advance stages.
Marxism in Practice
Since Karl Marx's death in 1883, various groups around the world, especially in Europe have tried
to adopt Marxist ideology as the basis of their political and working structure. The first large–scale
attempt to create a state based on Marxist ideology was generated during the Bolshevik– Menshevik
Revolutionary movement in Russia. After the 1917 October Revolution Lenin, who was inspired by
Marx's ideas, attempted to form a governing system based on the principles of Marxist ideology.
However, the idea of Communism and many other principles of the Marxist theory were still too
new and not applicable for the rest of the world, which was generally governed by monarchies.
On the other hand, the end of the Second World War brought a new suitable environment for the
Marxist

Essay on The Nature of Marxism
All economic theories share common roots, they attempt to address the basic question of how an
economy can, and should, be maintained. One of the most influential economic philosophies is
Marxism. The fact that economic theories can share common roots is especially evident in
Marxism; It even shares a basic premise of laissez–faire with capitalism, a philosophy it directly
contradicts (Sowell 12). In studying Marxism, two basic necessities must be addressed; the nature of
Marxism and its basis, and the political and economic implications of Marxism.
Curiously, Marxism was only partially originated by Karl Marx. A great deal of the philosophy
behind and rationalization for Marxism– perhaps even the larger part of that thought– was...show
more content...
Thus, Marx asserted that his views would remove in name only something that had already, at heart,
been removed; he would simply treat that removal in an assisted and official way, promoting
fairness in doing so (24).
In investigating further the basis of Marx's philosophy, one must note the shared belief of Hegel's
and Marx's Dialectics. Dialectics is a philosophy at the heart of Marxism; it holds that all things
exist not as what they are, but that every thing is in a transitory stage. An acorn is not simply an
acorn; it is a future oak tree. A caterpillar exists as a future butterfly. By this philosophy, which can
be understood and accepted rather simply (without an offhand disregard for the uniqueness and
importance of each individual present stage of an object); it is Marx's later social implication of this
philosophy which would meet resistance (Marx, Capital 103). As it were, Marx's Dialectics, at their
heart, were simply a method whereby he claimed to understand more the essence of something,
rather than its appearance. An appearance alone– the acorn, the caterpillar– fundamentally ignored
the essence of something; the future oak tree, the future butterfly. Appearances were not necessarily
deceiving or untrue, they simply did not– and could not– represent the whole of something's
existence. A caterpillar is indeed a caterpillar, but since one knows that a

Marxism (Sociology)
AQA AS/A SOCIOLOGY ESSAY: CRITICALLY EXAMINE MARXIST PERSPECTIVES ON
TODAY'S SOCIETY Classical Marxism is a conflict structural theory which argues that, rather than
society being based on value consensus as functionalists would contend, there is a conflict of
interest between different groups (social classes) because of the unequal distribution of power and
wealth. Marxists are also interested in the way in which social change can occur, particularly in
sudden and revolutionary ways. However, there are differences between Marxists especially over
the way which social change can come about. For example, humanistic Marxists like Gramsci give a
greater role to the conscious decisions and actions of human beings than do structural Marxists
...show more content...
For example, it shapes the nature of religion, law, education, the state and so on. According to Marx,
capitalism sows the seeds of its own destruction. For example, by polarising the classes, bringing the
proletariat together in ever–increasing numbers, and driving down their wages, capitalism creates
the conditions under which the working class can develop a consciousness (or awareness) of its
own economic and political interests in opposition to those of its exploiters. As a result, the
proletariat moves from merely being a class–in–itself (whose members share the same economic
position) to becoming a class–foritself, whose members are class conscious – aware of the need to
overthrow capitalism. The means of production would then be put in the hands of the state and run
in the interests of everyone, not just of the bourgeoisie. A new type of society– socialism
developing into communism – would be created, which would be without exploitation, without
classes and without class conflict. Marx's work has been subjected to a number of criticisms.
First, Marx's predictions have not come true. Far from society becoming polarised and the working
class becoming poorer, almost everyone in western societies enjoys a far higher standard of living
than ever before. The collapse of so–called 'communist' regimes like the former Soviet Union, and
growing private ownership and capitalist growth in China, cast some doubt on the viability of the
practical implementation

Marxist Theories And The Marxist Theory
Before examining the article and its link to the Marxist Theory, it is important to give a brief
description of the main tenets and principles of Marxism. Specifically, the Marxist paradigm
assumes that economic competition is the principle cause of conflict. Unlike other paradigms,
Marxism's method of societal analysis focuses on economic and material aspects. Focusing on class
relations and societal conflicts, the theory was first proposed by Karl Marx. Upon witnessing the
industrial revolution and the creation of an urban working class, Marx observed and experienced a
growing gap between the rich and the poor. In his Das Kapital and Communist Manifesto, Marx
predicted the growing impoverishment of the emergent working class and a ultimate major class
struggle in the systemic economic change. This emerging socioeconomic class will clash heavily
with the upper–class, or bourgeoisie – a class of factory owners exploiting the workers by
maintaining the gap between the price paid to workers (a subsistent wage) and the price obtained in
the marketplace for the produced good. In such state of Capitalism, centralized means of production
and wealth is gathered in the hands of a few (mostly factories owners) who merely seek to protect
and expand their wealth. Ultimately, the inequality in the distribution of wealth, according to Marx,
will lead to a revolution whereby overthrowing the bourgeoisie, as well as the capitalist system in its
entirety.
Undoubtedly, James Cameron's

Marxism : Marxism, Feminism And Functionalism
Work is in all cultures and is the roots of the economy. Work comes in many different forms but
the simple definition is the completion of duties that involves both mental and physical effort.
These duties have outcomes such as the production of goods and products or meeting needs of the
people they work for such as clients or service users. An occupation is work that is paid for. As
well as getting paid for work there is also work that is unpaid this includes housework, being a stay
at home mum or volunteer work.
In relation to work we can look at three theories :– Marxism, Feminism and Functionalism. Each
considered the analysis of modern day work to be extremely important when looking at sociology
and socialism.
Marxism derived from the sociologist Karl Marx's theories about sociology, politics and economics.
Marx looked at the capitalist society that was around him at the time and saw great exploitation.
The workers in the factories were selling their labour for a measly wage yet the factory owners
were keeping all the surplus value, the money left over once the costs of the materials and labour
were met. He saw this as very unfair and thought that the surplus value rightfully belonged to the
labourers. In this capitalist society the labourers were also feeling exploited which caused tensions
in the workplace which was known as a class struggle. The notion of 'social class' is central to
Marx's theory and the class struggle was between the ownership class that was

Marxist theory
Marxist theory
This theory was basically ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Both of them were born from
Germany. Marx was a student of the most prominent German Idealist Philosopher. Engels was
editing a radical journal that written by Karl Marx at the year 1844. Due to this both of them
meet and become close friends. Engels start to share his opinion toward capitalism to Marx. After
that, they decided to work together and become partnership because Marx was good in dealing
with difficult abstract concepts whereas, Engels had the ability to write for the mass audience. They
develop this theory during the Europe's most volatile period of social change. Their theory were
been ignore by social, economic and political when at first...show more content...
Besides that, revolution might be the quickest and most effective way to bring about necessary
changes. In order to force the elites to surrender their power to the working society.
In Marx theory, it would say human are more materialism compare to idealism. Most of us will
think that socialism is being 'idealist' which is a nice idea but unrealistic. Whereas, idea of socialism
and Marxism are practical and realistic because it was based on analyzing the real society world
and how it works actually. 'Idealism' were original mean a trend within philosophy. Those idealists
thought that ideas come first and follow by material as a result of these ideas. They would think
that changes in material reality were caused by ideas and not by material forces. However, Marx
recognise that ideas play an important role in social change and Marxists are materialists which
against the philosophical sense. In materialists, human society and history is shaped by material
social and economic forces, real things and processes and ideas are the reflection of this material
reality. Marxists believe that human society is based on material forces. Which means for human
society exist, they need produce those necessities of life that enable us to survive such as food,
shelter, water and etc. All these are material things that human society needs in order to survive. But
how human society produce these necessities, who controls the products, the labor and how the

Marxist Theory And Its Impact On Society
Introduction to sociology
Marxism believes that that society is based upon 'conflicts of interest'. They believe that the most
important conflict is between the Bourgeoisies and the Proletariats. The bourgeoisies are the
capitalist class that own most of society's means and productions. Whereas the proletariats are the
working class people. Social class is used to explain how and why societies change. Class conflict is
where change occurs through the opposition of the social classes as what they see to be collective
interests in society. However,Marxism believes that the capitalism can only thrive on the
mistreatment of the working class. The bourgeoisies are what Marxists believe dominate society as
they are the ones that make the profit. Marxism believes that capitalism is not only an economic
system but also a political system.
Marxist theory finds it difficult to explain the presence of certain phenomena (for example Kerry
Katona has lots of money but is from a working class background).
It overlooks the idea that other factors may help to shape society.
Functionalist understand society in a different way. They believe that each aspect of society is
interdependent and contributes to society's stability and functioning as a whole. For example:
children are sent to school on tax payer's money that the working parents will pay. This then opens
up for the child to get a good education and get a good job. They believe that instead of society
being split into classes that

Analysis Of Communist Manifesto By Karl Marx
The definition of utopia is an ideally perfect place especially in its social, political, and moral
aspects (dictionary.com). This paper will discuss the changes in capitalism since Marx's critique in
1848. Marx's fundamental critique remains correct today. Marx is still correct about his critique of
capitalism because even though there have been changes made to capitalism to prevent some abuses,
capitalism still produces inequality, reduces the family relationship, destroys small business, and
enslaves. In 1848 Karl Marx wrote the Communist Manifesto which was a formal statement of the
communist party. "The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles [...] we
find almost everywhere a complicated...show more content...
People are slaves to the machine and the bourgeoisie because they need to work more hours daily
for lower wages because the jobs become more simplistic and automated. A modern example of
this is people on an assembly in Detroit, where cars are made. Things are now to the point were
you can learn a job in a week when in the past it would have taken years to learn the same job.
Marx believes that to sustain market growth capitalism becomes more automated for the giants of
industry. Due to this "machinery obliterates all distinctions of labour and nearly everywhere
reduces wages" (Cohen and Fermon, 454). In capitalism people are enslaved for lower wages, as the
work becomes less appealing. Marx believed, "As the repulsiveness of the work increases, the wage
decreases" (Cohen and Fermon, 453).
Marx said that due to the global market and market growth "the place of the manufacture was taken
up by the giants" (Cohen and Fermon, 448). Industry taken up by the giants meant that local
companies would be lost to international conglomerates. For example, in New Orleans there was a
local drugstore named K and B that had been there for more than seventy–five years, it was bought
out by Rite Aid a national corporation because it could not compete with the prices Rite Aid was
charging.
Marx also discussed free trade as a freedom replacing other freedoms one might enjoy in

How convincing was the Marxist critique of the capitalist state?
This next unit of theory is entitled "Ideology and Discourse." The theorists we're
examining––Althusser, Bakhtin, and Foucault––are discussing how ideology works, and how
ideologies construct subjects. All of these theorists are coming from a Marxist perspective, using
ideas and terms developed in Marxist theory, though only Althusser actually claims to be a Marxist.
So to start off, I want to talk a bit about some basic ideas of Marxist theory.
Marxism is a set of theories, or a system of thought and analysis, developed by Karl Marx in the
nineteenth century in response to the Western industrial revolution and the rise of industrial
capitalism as the predominant...show more content...
Marx's view of the idea of "dialectic" comes from Hegel, who thought that no ideas,
social formations, or practices were ever eternal or fixed, but were always in motion or flux
(something like Derrida's "play"). Hegel said that this motion or flux or change happens
in a certain pattern, which he called a "dialectic." Hegel says, change occurs as the result
of a struggle between two opposed forces, which then get resolved into a third entity. Hegel's model
of change looks like this: you start with a proposition or a position, which he calls a
"thesis;" the thesis then stands in opposition to another position, which he calls the
"antithesis" (and thus far it does work like our old friend the binary opposition). But
then the struggle between thesis and antithesis is resolved into a third position, or set of ideas or
practices, which Hegel calls the "synthesis." Then, of course, the synthesis eventually
becomes a thesis, with an antithesis, and the whole process starts over. But that, says Hegel, is how
change happens––by the continual struggle between thesis, antithesis, and synthesis.
In addition to being a kind of philosophy, Marxism is also a way to understand history. In this
sense, Marxism belongs to a kind of historicism called HISTORICAL MATERIALISM, which
shows that history, or social change, occurs

Karl Marx And Marxism
Karl Marx's ideology was established to show what would happen if the social classes struggled
with each other. Vladimir Lenin however, was more practical in that his ideology carried the
changes needed to fit into the country itself. Marx anticipated that his concept would come to carry
out a more advanced capitalist state because is where he thought the revolution he talked about
would take place. Still, Leninism took place in a country that was not as advanced as Mr. Marx
would have imagined. During this time Russia was not economically advanced and had many
farmers. Lenin felt he had to change the aspects of Marxism to fit Russia
Lenin argued that the capitalists in European countries engaged in a policy of imperialism, or empire
...show more content...
In fact, the philosophical basis of the communist movements and regimes of the 20th century,
ranging from the Soviet Union to Latin America to China and North Korea, is largely based on
Marxism. However, it's important to note that while Marxism supports a form of socialism, not all
forms of socialism are Marxist in nature.
Lenin, developed a Marxist political economy, enhanced by capitalism, imperialism, and of the
general crisis of capitalism. It popularized the idea of the socialist revolution, the concept of the
possibility of the victory of socialism first in a few countries or even in one country alone. The
significance of Marx's theory of liberty is that the rank and file must be directly involved in the
socialist revolution against capitalism. "The proletarian movement is the self–conscious,
independent movement of the immense majority in the interest of the immense majority".1
The Bolsheviks subsequently assumed authority before the working class had prepared for
Socialism, all the Bolshevik government could do at this point, was to install state capitalism in
Russia. while at the same time imposing their own dictatorship over the proletariat. Distaste for the
intellectual capabilities of the proletariat led to their demand that the leading party should rule on
their behalf, much against their

Essay on The Dynamics of Marxism
The Dynamics of Marxism
Human relationships have always been dynamic. Change and adaptability have gone hand in hand
with the passing of time for human society. Karl Marx's views on Industrialization and the
bourgeoisie had a major impact on how we view our industrial alignment today. Marx and Engel's
The Communist Manifesto gives broad views on the subject of the middle class and how they fit
into a society that was ruled by feudalism and aristocracy. Capitalism becomes a major topic in a
socialist–based society that underwent many changes as industrialization progressed. A government
must be dynamic in its nature reflecting the change in society. At times aristocracy has refused to
allow society to adapt...show more content...
Regarding Marx's attitude toward religion, he thought that it was simply in the man's conscious
to worship a god. To Marx, the only reason a man would worship a god would be because society
tells them that they are supposed to. The same could be said about some people who live in our
society today. Our world tells us that we are supposed to worship a god, even though there are
still people who choose not to. Though Marx celebrated Christian views at a younger age, he
belief in a god diminished as he got older and started his work as a radical philosopher. Marx sums
it all up in a famous quote, stating that religion is "an opium for the people." With
Karl Marx observed the socio–economic changes that were occurring in Britain. England was a
dominant world power and also had the largest industrialized economy during the 1800's. This was
the main vocal point of Dickens' "Hard Times." The development of the factory created a large
demand for workers. As industrialization evolved by using industry as the economic backbone for
population, a large number of factory workers were hired to operate the machinery in these
thought–to–be "hard" conditions. These workers, who were deemed peasants, were now considered
to be the working class. They entered the cities with hopes of living better lives and hoped to be able
to support their families. Though

The Marxist Perspective on Education Essay
The Marxist Perspective on Education
Marxists such as Louis Althusser, Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis refute the Functionalist view
that industrial capitalist societies are meritocracies and that every ones' position in society is based
on talent and hard work. They suggest ideas for why this is the case. Althusser bases his theory
around the idea of education being an ideological state apparatus. Bowles and Gintis' theory is based
on the 'long shadow of work' and the legitimation of inequality.
When speaking of the 'long shadow of work', Bowles and Gintis are referring to the strong
relationship between social relationships at school and at work – they believe this helps education to
play it's...show more content...
People believe that society and the education system is meritocratic. Bowles and Gintis believe this
to be false, as in reality it is legitimating the inequalities that exist in society.
Althusser sees education as an ideological state apparatus. This is where the government issues
ruling class ideas through different institutions, or apparatus, in this case education is the main
apparatus. This is needed by capitalism to transmit the idea that the inequalities in society are
justified as society is meritocratic. This helps capitalism by preparing students for their future jobs.
The working class are taught to accept their future exploitation in the workplace. Whereas the middle
class are prepared for management roles supported by their academic qualifications.
However, these views from the Marxists are merely ideas and theories, as none of them put forward
evidence to prove their theory of education, this is a huge weakness in their argument. Neo–Marxism
offers a counter argument to that of Bowles and Gintis and Althusser. Paul Willis did research in a
school and he claims that schools do not produce an obedient and hardworking workforce. He
studied a group of twelve working class boys and found they had a counter sub–culture. They had
clear views and aims that were very opposed to those of the school and 'ear 'oles'. Willis saw a link
between the

Essay on Karl Marx And Marxism
Karl Marx and Marxism
Karl Marx set the wheels of modern Communism and Socialism in motion with his writings in the
late nineteenth century. In collaboration with his friend, Heinrich Engels, he produced the The
Communist Manifesto, written in
1848. Many failed countries' political and socio–economic structures have been based on Marx's
theories, for example the USSR, East Germany etc. Many people believe that Marxism is not
applicable to today's society, as Karl Marx put forward his ideas not anticipating the type of society
we have today. The welfare state system has effectively nullified Marx's arguments, and made them
irrelevant. Karl Marx, born on May 5, 1818, died on...show more content...
The idea is further explained in the following sentences. The people who do the work in a
capitalistic society own none of the means of production,
(ie. machines, raw produce etc.) that they use in their work. These are owned by the capitalists, to
whom the workers must sell their 'labour power', or ability to do work, in return for a wage. The
capitalists, owning the factories, automatically have ownership rights to everything produced by it,
and can do with it what the will. Because of this, the worker is alienated from the product of their
labours, having no control over what is made, or what becomes of it.
Karl Marx was very concerned with the class system in Prussia. He was an avid campaigner against
a system where one group of people flourish at the expense of another class, in this case the working.
He believed that all things should be equal, and that sharing should abound, with no–one person
owning everything, all belonging to the state. Marx believed that once most workers recognized
their interests and became 'class conscious', the overthrow of capitalism would proceed as quickly
and democratically as the nature of the capitalist opposition allowed. The socialist society that would
emerge out of the revolution would develop the full productive potential inherited from capitalism
through democratic planning on

The essay will analyse and critique the Marxist view of the distribution of power within society and
the political system. It will then summarise how we commonly define a liberal democracy and what
are its recognisable features within a pluralist context such as in Britain. Finally, it will ask how
Marxists might view the above as affecting participation in such a political system. Overall this essay
will outline the uneven distribution of power Marxism sees in a capitalist, liberal democratic society;
the class conflict this is based on, and the negative, repressive effect this has on political
participation.
Marxism views human society as resting on an economic base and a superstructure. The natural
basis for Marxist critique of society...show more content...
23). Here he confirms how politics, through the state, acts as a vehicle for the elevation of bourgeois
interests, cementing their power above that of the proletariat.
One implicit critique of the economic determinism of Marxism came from within the analysis itself.
Gramsci believed the role of civil society (schools, family, church) was as important as economics
and the modes of production. He thought that without greater acknowledgement of the role ideology,
consciousness and cultural hegemony played in society, the dominant capitalist ideology could not
be understood and thus its power challenged. However, as De Orellana says (De Orellana, 2015)
"though Gramsci was harshly critical of what he called the "vulgar historical materialism" and
economism of Marxism, as a Marxist he assumed the fundamental importance of the economy".
A liberal democracy can be defined by a democratic recognition of the rights and freedoms of the
individual, with the law limiting unbridled exercise of political power, by means of regular
elections, freedom of; speech, association, religion and rule of law etc. By common recognition,
pluralism is now considered to be part and parcel of liberal democratic societies. Coming from
within the structural functionalist paradigm of sociological theory proponents of this view hold that
political power in democratic societies is dispersed among several competing veto groups, with the
state a neutral arbitrator to ensure competition is fair and

Karl Marx and Marxism Essay
Karl Marx and Marxism
Karl Marx set the wheels of modern Communism and Socialism in motion with his writings in the
late nineteenth century. In collaboration with his friend, Heinrich Engels, he produced the The
Communist Manifesto, written in
1848. Many failed countries' political and socio–economic structures have been based on Marx's
theories, for example the USSR, East Germany etc. Many people believe that Marxism is not
applicable to today's society, as Karl Marx put forward his ideas not anticipating the type of society
we have today. The welfare state system has effectively nullified Marx's arguments, and made them
irrelevant. Karl Marx, born on May 5, 1818, died on March 14, 1883, was a German economist,
philosopher and...show more content...
Because of this, the worker is alienated from the product of their labours, having no control over
what is made, or what becomes of it.
Karl Marx was very concerned with the class system in Prussia. He was an avid campaigner against
a system where one group of people flourish at the expense of another class, in this case the working.
He believed that all things should be equal, and that sharing should abound, with no–one person
owning everything, all belonging to the state. Marx believed that once most workers recognized
their interests and became 'class conscious', the overthrow of capitalism would proceed as quickly
and democratically as the nature of the capitalist opposition allowed. The socialist society that would
emerge out of the revolution would develop the full productive potential inherited from capitalism
through democratic planning on behalf of social needs. The final goal, towards which socialist
society would constantly build, is the human one of abolishing alienation. Marx called the attainment
of this goal Communism.
Marxism in its various forms has affected the world greatly throughout time. Both world wars have
involved communist countries to a great extent.
Communism has gone wrong in many countries, with the state turning into an authoritarian one,
with a few people at the top abusing their power for their own personal gain, at the expense of the
other members of the public.
In conclusion, I believe that Marx's

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