Marxism

Question 1

Structuralist Theory

Answer 1

The only way to understand inequality in a capitalist societies is to examine how the infrastructure interacts with another social structure.

Sees inequality by the fault of the system and not the fault of the individual.

Question 2

Conflict Theory

Answer 2

Capitalist societies are underpinned by potential conflict rather than consensus.

Question 3

Infrastructure

Answer 3

The economic base of capitalism. Dominated by a wealthy and powerful minority who control the means of production: the capital land, factories, techonogly and raw materials.

Question 4

Superstructure

Answer 4

• Refers to the social institutions, political structure, and the state or society’s governing apparatus.
• Marx argued that the superstructure grows out of the base and reflects the ruling class’ interests
• Superstructure includes the culture, ideology, norms, and identities that people have.

Question 5

Bourgeoisie

Answer 5

The property-owning class who own the means of production (e.g. factories) and employ and exploit the proletariat.

Question 6

Polarisation of classes

Answer 6

The divide between the ruling class and working class would steadily increase as the bourgeoisie drive down wages to increase profits.

Question 7

Alienation

Answer 7

Control over work by the bourgeoisie would result in the alienation of workers who would not find any satisfaction or contentment.

Question 8

Economic crisis

Answer 8

Capitalism is unstable economic system and competition between companies creates booms in the market which are often followed by recession.

Question 9

What did Marx argue

Answer 9

Argued that social stratification is created by the economic system is based on the relationship between people and that system.

Question 10

In terms of Economic system what did Marx argue

Answer 10

That society is organised along capitalist lines and that the pursuit of profit by competing economic elites is the most important goal.

Question 11

What were the things that Marx argued that capitalist suffered from

Answer 11

Polarisation of social classes - Divide between the working class and capitalist

Alienation

Economic crisis

Question 12

Summarise the Marxist approach, in your own words using the information above

Answer 12

• Marx argues that there are inequalities in society based on social class differences.
• Marx claims that to improve society and make it fairer there needs to be large-scale change.
• Marxism is criticised for ignoring other important factors such as gender and ethnicity, focusing too much on social class.

Question 13

Structuralist Theory

Answer 13

The only way to understand inequality in capitalist societies is to examine how infrastructure interacts with other social structure.