Marxism

Question 1

What does Marxism have in common with functionalism?

Answer 1

It tends to share the view that society is a structure or system that shapes individuals’ behaviour and ideas

Question 2

Briefly outline two ways in which Marxism differs from functionalism.

Answer 2

• Conflict of interest: Reject functionalist view that the social structure is a harmonious one based on value consensus. Instead, they see it as based on a conflict of economic interests between social classes of unequal power and wealth.
• Instability and change: Reject functionalism’s view of society as stable, and stress the possibility of sudden, profound and revolutionary change. Stability is merely the result of the dominant class being able to impose their will on society.

Question 3

Briefly explain the similarities between Marx and Durkheim.

Answer 3

• Like Durkheim, Marx saw both the harm caused by the modern industrial society that was taking shape in 19th cent. Europe, and the promise of progress to a better world that it held.
• Marx believed it was possible to study society scientifically and that this knowledge would point the way to a better society - he described his theory as ‘scientific socialism’.

Question 4

Briefly outline how Marx saw historical change.

Answer 4

As a contradictory process in which capitalism would increase human misery before giving way to a classless communist society in which human beings would be free to fulfil their potential.

Question 5

According to Marx, how would a classless society be brought into being?

Answer 5

By conscious human action.

“Philosophers have merely interpreted the world; the point, however, is to change it.”

Question 6

Define materialism.

Answer 6

Materialism is the view that human are beings with material needs, such as food, clothing and shelter, and must therefore work to meet them. In doing so, they use the ‘forces of production’.

Question 7

According to Marx, why do humans enter into social relations of production?

Answer 7

In working to meet their needs, humans also cooperate with one another: they enter social relations of production - ways of organising production.

Question 8

Which two classes emerge along with the division of labour?

Answer 8

Bourgeoisie: A class that owns the means of production.
Proletariat: A class of labourers.

Question 9

Briefly explain the following Marxist concept:

- Mode of production

Answer 9

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Question 10

Briefly explain the following Marxist concept:

- Economic base

Answer 10

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Question 11

Briefly explain the following Marxist concept:

- Superstructure

Answer 11

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Question 12

What were the three key features of primitive communism?

Answer 12

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Question 13

Briefly explain what is meant by surplus product.

Answer 13

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Question 14

What form of exploitation is each of the following class societies based on:

• Ancient society
• Feudal society
• Capitalist society

Answer 14

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Question 15

Define bourgeoisie.

Answer 15

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Question 16

Define proletariat.

Answer 16

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Question 17

Briefly explain the three distinctive features of capitalism.

Answer 17

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Question 18

According to Marx, how does capitalism sow the seeds of its own destruction?

Answer 18

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Question 19

What is the difference between a class in itself and a class for itself?

Answer 19

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Question 20

According to Marx, whose ideas are dominant in any given society?

Answer 20

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Question 21

Define ideologies.

Answer 21

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Question 22

Briefly explain what is meant by false consciousness.

Answer 22

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Question 23

According to Marx, what is the cause of alienation?

Answer 23

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Question 24

Briefly explain two reasons why alienation reaches a peak in capitalism societies.

Answer 24

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Question 25

According to Marx, what is the function of the state?

Answer 25

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Question 26

According to Marx, why would a proletarian revolution be different from other revolutions?

Answer 26

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Question 27

Briefly outline three consequences of a proletarian revolution.

Answer 27

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Question 28

According to Marx, where would revolution occur first?

Answer 28

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Question 29

Briefly outline three criticisms of Marx's view of class.

Answer 29

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Question 30

Briefly explain what is meant by economic determinism.

Answer 30

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Question 31

According to Weber, what does Marx neglect in his base-superstructure model?

Answer 31

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Question 32

Why has Marx's prediction of revolution been criticised?

Answer 32

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Question 33

Briefly explain the following Marxist concept: | - Humanistic or critical Marxism

Answer 33

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Question 34

Briefly explain the following Marxist concept: | - Scientific or structuralist Marxism

Answer 34

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