1. AN INTRODUCTION TO MARXIST THEORY
HSB4U

2. KARL MARX German philosopher (1818-1883)
Most notable work is The Communist
Manifesto (1848)
“All I know is I am no Marxist”

3. MARX’S VIEWS
Was a materialist – to understand society, we have to understand how it organizes production
Forces of Production – land, technology, skills, knowledge, etc.
Social Relations of Production – who controls the forces of production, and how
The forces of production will come into conflict with the relations of production

4. CLASS STRUCTURE OF SOCIETY
Those is the top class control the wealth, and those in the lower class do most of the work that produces the wealth = exploitation
This exploitation is the basis of class conflict
Historical examples of class conflict i.e. slave vs slave holder, feudal lord vs peasant; can you think of modern examples??
Capitalists (bourgeoisie) vs workers (proletariat) are Marx’s focus
Bourgeoisie alienates proletariat

5. THE ECONOMIC BASE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
Economic Base – the forces and relations of production (i.e. the bourgeoisie and proletariat)
Superstructure – the legal and political structures of society
The economic base influences the superstructure; economic power is the basis of all other types of power
The bourgeoisie, therefore, control society’s institutions to help maintain the status quo (capitalism)

6. MARX’S CRITIQUE OF CAPITALISM
Capitalism is…
Exploitative
Alienating
Undemocratic
Irrational
Environmentally destructive
Prone to war

7. DIALECTICAL UNDERSTANDING OF CLASS SOCIETY
Eventually the bourgeoisie and proletariat will conflict giving rise to a new economic system
The large workforce under capitalism will realize they are being exploited, and will mobilize a start a popular revolution
This will create a new social order where the workers are in charge of production

8. COMMUNISM/SOCIALISM
In his writings, Marx says very little about what a socialist or communist society would look like
What he does say:
Cooperation rather than division
Economy democratically controlled
Social equality exists and all forms of oppression would disappear
The environment would be respected
No profits for a minority of people
Work would be fulfilling

9. CRITIQUES OF MARXISM Marx’s theory has failed in practice
Marx’s views are in conflict with human nature
Capitalism has changed since Marx’s day, so his criticisms are no longer relevant

10. Connections to Other Theories
Conflict Theory
Cultural Materialism

11. “Citizen Journalism”
Also known as “public,” “participatory,” “democratic,” “guerilla,” or “street” journalism
Citizens play an active role in collecting, reporting, analysing, and disseminating news and information
Made possible by new media technology (social networking, smart phones)
Criticisms: unregulated, too subjective

12. Application to Our Unit
How might Marxist Theorists view citizen journalism?
Consider “citizen journalism” in light of the unit essential question: have advances in technology been good for people?
As we watch Fruitvale Station, think about the application of Marx’s theory (and Conflict Theory and Cultural Materialism)