Marxism As A Conflict Theory - 1273 Words

â€Å"Marxism is a conflict theory based on the idea that society is in conflict with each other; the conflict is between the rich and the poor† (â€Å"A Brief Introduction to Marxism†). The basic tenets of Marx’s theory rest on the conflict between the different classes of society of which, Marx states that â€Å"the ideas of the ruling class are in every epoch the ruling ideas: i.e.,the class which is the ruling material force of society is at the same time its ruling intellectual force. The class which has the means for material production at its disposal have control at the same time over the means of material production, so that ...generally speaking, the ideas of those who lack the means of mental and [material] production are subject to it† (Marx†¦show more content†¦The tenets of Marxism as defined by Marx and Althusser provide a unique lens through which the reader can view Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. Conrad’s novel la portrays the historical era of Imperialism, when European countries, Great Britain included, were laying claim to parts of the African continent for its riches in natural resources. The idea that â€Å"Imperialism was the highest stage of capitalism†, expressed by Vladimir Lenin, a proponent of Marxism, adds an important layer to a study of the novella using Marxist theory (Marxism: Essential Writings). A look at one small scene from Section III of the novel, in which the young Russian speaks about Kurtz to Marlowe, blatantly illustrates the treatment of the workforce by the ruling class: He had, as he informed me proudly, managed to nurse Kurtz through two illnesses (he alluded to it as you would to some risky feat), but as a rule Kurtz wandered alone, far in the depths of the forest. Very often coming to this station, I had to wait days and days before he would turn up, he said. Ah, it was worth waiting for!--sometimes. What was he doing? exploring or what? I asked. Oh yes, of course; he had discovered lots of villages, a lake too--he did not know exactly in what direction; it was dangerous to inquire too much--but mostly his expeditions had been for ivory. But heShow MoreRelatedMarxism : A Structural Conflict Theory1718 Words   |  7 Pages Marxism is a macro, structural conflict theory that denotes Marxists belief that the ruling class (bourgeoisie) exploits the working class (proletariat) for means of labour, as the bourgeois own the factors of production. Marx called the resulting situation alienation, and he said that when the workers repossessed the object at which they produced through the division of labour, alienation would be overcome and class divisions would cease. This is the apparent class struggle that plays a centralRead More Marxism and Labour Theory - The Conflicts between Employee and Employer3044 Words   |  13 PagesMarxism and Labour Theory - The Conflicts between Employee and Employer 1. 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This theory plays an important role when it comes to sociological studies, since it provesRead MoreOutline and Assess Marxist Explanations of the Causes of Crime719 Words   |  3 PagesMarxist explanations of the causes of crime (50 marks) It is to a large extent that Marxism is a useful theory in explaining the causes of crime. This is because it highlights the inequalities in society and how the ruling class owns the means of production. This fails to show reasons why not everyone is facing status frustration and lower income turn to crime. One way in which Marxism is a useful theory for explaining the causes of crime is the concept of capitalism, criminogenic capitalismRead MoreKarl Marx And The Communist Manifesto Essay1691 Words   |  7 Pages(1820-1895), founded the Marxist Theory. Both men were philosophers, however were referred to as revolutionaries. ‘The Communist Manifesto’, was written collaboratively by both Marx and Engels, as they explored the argument that â€Å"history and progress can be seen dialectically as societies shift from one mode of production to another†. This will be argued through a contextual account of Marxism, its development, critiques, and both the dependency theory and critical theory. Marx closely analysed theRead More‚Äà ²Marxism Is No Longer Relevant to Our Understanding of Crime Deviance in Society‚Äà ´1269 Words   |  6 Pagesact seen as ‘abnormal’ and going against the norms values o f Society, such as cross-dressing etc. Marx developed the idea of Marxism (a conflict theory between Upper and Lower social classes) in the 18th Century, when social classes were very clearly defined- the ‘Bourgeois’ and the ‘Proletariat’. For this very reason, what is known as ‘Traditional Marxism’ is now quite evidently outdated, mainly due to the emergence of the ‘Middle Class’ throughout the 20th Century and the ‘Digital Revolution’Read MoreWhy Has Marxism Been Neglected For International Relations?977 Words   |  4 PagesWhy has Marxism been neglected in International Relations? One of the major reasons why Marxism has generally been neglected in International Relations is due to the scarcity of Marxist writing that is specifically focused on this subject. However, it can be argued that due to this paucity of material, Marxist theory has nothing of substantial value to offer with regards to international relations. Non- Marxists argue that the concepts in Marx’s analysis of capitalist production; class, labor, exchange