1. Introduction to Sociology
Marxism
Introduction to Sociology

2. Polite Reminder
Please turn mobile phones on silent, and put away (including IPADS, or any other form of gadget)
Take coats and jackets off
Put your bags under the table
(we do not want anyone tripping over)
Respect and listen to one another
Thank you 

3. Learning Objectives Be able to describe the Marxist theory
Be able to compare the Marxist theory with the Functionalist theory
Be able to evaluate the usefulness of the Marxist theory in understanding society

4. Ahh what is the teacher on about?!
Progress Bridge
I’ve nearly got it!
Ahh what is the teacher on about?!
I’m a pro at this topic!

5. Recap Activity
Homework: Write 250 words describing and evaluating the Functionalist Theory.
Fill in the gap activity!

6. Marxism
Like the Functionalist perspective, Marxism is a structural theory
They both believe that individuals are born into a Society that has existing rules & patterns of behaviour that shape how they behave & live their lives.
People learn to be part of society through the process of socialisation.

7. conflict & exploitation
However…
Marxism differs from Functionalism in that;
Functionalist argue that society is built on a value consensus or agreement
Whereas Marxists argues that society is based on
conflict & exploitation

8. This is Karl Marx ( ).
Remember his name: He was one of the founders of Sociology
To put it short, this is what he thought:
2. Society uses a system called CAPITALISM to keep the rich - rich and the poor – poor.
3. CAPITALISM is an economic system where a small minority of society own the FORCES OF PRODUCTION (factories & information).
1. Society is in a state of CONFLICT between the rich and the poor.
4. This minority is called the RULING CLASS (or the BOURGEOSIE) – they employ people to work for them to produce goods that they sell.
5. Marx called this arrangement the RELATIONS OF PRODUCTION and argued it EXPLOITED the WORKING CLASS (or the PROLETARIAT).

9. Capitalism explained in short:
We live in a Capitalist society, meaning that our economy is based
on business, with an aim at making big profits.
Those who are poorer (Proletariat /Working class) & have limited access to owning the means of production (Factories, Mills, businesses)
They are forced into working for the owners of the means of production
(The Bourgeoisie/ Ruling class) who have wealth, money,
are business men or a members of the government).
Although the workers receive a wage for producing the goods that
consumers need & want.
The goods are sold at a profit, for more than it cost to make.
This high profit goes straight back into the pockets of the of the ruling class.

10. WHY DO WE LET THIS HAPPEN?
Over to you…
WHY DO WE LET THIS HAPPEN?

11. CAPITALISTS or, business people, have to come up with ways to cover up the unfairness. They do it using something called...
Ideology
A set of ideas or beliefs that justify inequality
& help to maintain capitalism

12. This ideology is spread through various Social Institutions
Education System
The Media
The Family
Religion
The Government

13. Designer labels Consumerism Materialistic values
Need to have the latest
gadgets
Pressure to be attractive
Obedience & Loyalty
Designer labels
Materialistic values
Consumerism

14. Introduction to Marxism
Marx believes that the only way to end this ideology is for the workers to have a revolution & to see a return to Communism: A system were everyone is equal & works together for the benefit of society as a whole.

15. Over to you… How far do you agree with Marxist view of society
How can Marxism be criticised?
THINK PAIR SHARE

16. Criticisms
Functionalists criticise Marxism for over-emphasising conflict when there must be harmony and shared values for social order to be possible.
Like Functionalism, Marxism has been accused of ignoring individual’s freedom of choice.
Over emphasis on society being based on class and economic conflict, and neglect other conflicts that exist in society such as; Patriarchal interest- male dominated society.
We will look at this in the next session, covering FEMINISM.

17. Homework
Write 250 words describing and evaluating the Marxist theory

18. Ahh what is the teacher on about?!
Progress Bridge
I’ve nearly got it!
Ahh what is the teacher on about?!
I’m a pro at this topic!

19. PLENARY Using your post it note, write; Something you learnt today.
Something you did not understand.