MARXISM

* Karl Marx was born in 1818 and he died in 1883.

* Marxism is a conflict theory as it says that society is in a conflict. 

* There is a conflict between proleteriat and bourgeoisi.

* Marx argued that history unfolded on the basis of materialistic epistemology in a dialectical process. (key terms٫ do search them)

* The first thing that forms material reality is labour. 

Some key definitions!

* Productive forces - our capacity to produce

* Mode of production - economic systems like capitalism/ socialism etc

* Relations of production - Social relations are formed through collective labour.

* Means of production - economic resources

The dialectic of history 

* There comes a time when relations of production can no longer develop the productive forces and so a social revolution is required to overthrow these relations of production. 

It's time for a new economic system!!!

* Dialectic of history is the contradiction between the relation of production and the productive forces and we can see this dialectic play out in the form of class struggle.

* A group of people with a common relationship to the means of production/ economic resources is called a class.  

Politics and Ideologies

Marx says:

* All classes fight for power and politics is nothing more than a class struggle. 

* States are dictatorships of ruling class. 

* Ideologies like Liberalism and Socialism are created to win support from other classes. 

* The ruling class's ideology is the dominant ideology of that era. Just like Capitalism today!

* New economic systems replace older ones through class struggles and a society develops forward in a dialectic.

Periods of history

Now Marx says that history consists of four big periods. The first one is Primitive Communism. This was the time when people lived without property or patriarchy. This period began almost 3 million years ago and ended with Agricultural revolution. There was no ruling class in this era.

The second period was Asiatic mode of Production.  This era began with agricultural revolution and lasted till colonial period. It was based upon a collective ruling class and marked the development of first classes. Patriarchy also started to begin in this time. It started in Babylon٫ Egypt٫ China and India etc.

The third period is Ancient Society which began with the first city state of Greece. It was ideologically supported by paganism and rested mainly on slavery. Patriarchy was created and this era reached its peak with development of Rome.

The fourth period is the Feudal Society which came into existence after the destruction of Rome. This period ended with Capitalism. Feudal Society relied on serfdom and it was characterized ideologically by Christianity. 

Capitalism

Now we come to the present times. Capitalism started in Europe around 16th century and it dominates the globe today. Marx says that capitalism has divided the society into capitalist and proletariat classes. Rich are becoming richer and poor are getting poorer and Marx believes that this would eventually result in a revolt by proletariat when they will overthrow this system.

Socialism

Marx says that capitalism will be replaced by socialism which is based upon the collective ownership of economic resources. 

Socialism is the dictatorship of proletariat class!

Marx believes that socialism will lead to communism and with communism the division of labour and patriarchy will cease to exist. This will also lead to Completion of Hegelian Dialectic.

Primitive communism - Class society - Advanced communism

Author: Amna Waseem

amnawaseem126@gmail.com