Marxism (Pt. 2)

In our last video we discussed the material circumstances that the historical situation of a time period - in other words the economic situation that constructs the basis of a society.  We noted that Marx looked at the historical situation that he was in a felt that the capitalist economic system that was in place created an inequality between classes. He called those classes the Bourgeoisie, who control the means of production, and the Proletariat, the working class. This divide can lead to a revolution which upsets the economy, turns the political system into upheaval and creates social strife.  Karl's Marx solution for all was dictated in his writing of "The Communist Manifesto". We're going to look at some basic principles that Marx outlines in this reading.

 

The Communist Manifesto has four sections.

1.            It discusses the Communists' theory of history and the relationship between proletarians and bourgeoisie.

2.            Explains the relationship between the Communists and the proletarians.

3.            Addresses the flaws in other, previous socialist literature.

4.            Discusses the relationship between the Communists and other parties.

.           

Marx believed in a THREE PHASE process that needed to take place so that a utopia could be established:

Phase 1: A total revolution where the proletariat destroy the current system in its entirety

Phase 2: A dictator or ruler must gain control over the proletariat and has control over the citizens - in economy, politics and even personal choice

Phase 3: All non-communist are destroyed and everyone equally shares the wealth and property of the state. The government would control the means of production and distribute it equally - thus the elimination of classes

 

All this being said, Marx believed in these basic principles that are behind the communist manifesto:

• Everyone is created equal

• Regardless of your profession, everyone works to help society in some way – this means that everyone receives equal portions of societies wealth

• Everyone receives the same treatment and benefits

• All people work towards the same goals and ideals

• All people work for the same purpose and receive the same allowances

 

All of this sounds great in theory - everyone working together and wealth being equally distributed but communism when put into practice falls apart as the dictator or government is given too much power and, typically, creates an even greater class divide than capitalism. Think through these ideas on your own.

 

Other terms from Marxism:

 

Commodification: The valuing of material things not for their usefulness, but for their power to impress others (sign value). For example: driving Porsche or wearing brand name clothes

 

Conspicuous Consumption: Extreme focus on material acquisition.  This is what makes the wheels of capitalism turn - most people in society want to have more "stuff" and this desire is called conspicuous consumption.

 

False Consciousness: When cultural conditioning leads people to accept a system that is unfavourable to them. People don't even realize what's wrong with their society anymore