Marxism (Sociology) - 2205 Words

AQA AS/A SOCIOLOGY ESSAY: CRITICALLY EXAMINE MARXIST PERSPECTIVES ON TODAY’S SOCIETY Classical Marxism is a conflict structural theory which argues that, rather than society being based on value consensus as functionalists would contend, there is a conflict of interest between different groups (social classes) because of the unequal distribution of power and wealth. Marxists are also interested in the way in which social change can occur, particularly in sudden and revolutionary ways. However, there are differences between Marxists especially over the way which social change can come about. For example, humanistic Marxists like Gramsci give a greater role to the conscious decisions and actions of human beings than do structural Marxists†¦show more content†¦For example, it shapes the nature of religion, law, education, the state and so on. According to Marx, capitalism sows the seeds of its own destruction. For example, by polarising the classes, bringing the proletar iat together in ever-increasing numbers, and driving down their wages, capitalism creates the conditions under which the working class can develop a consciousness (or awareness) of its own economic and political interests in opposition to those of its exploiters. As a result, the proletariat moves from merely being a class-in-itself (whose members share the same economic position) to becoming a class-foritself, whose members are class conscious – aware of the need to overthrow capitalism. The means of production would then be put in the hands of the state and run in the interests of everyone, not just of the bourgeoisie. A new type of society – socialism developing into communism – would be created, which would be without exploitation, without classes and without class conflict. Marx’s work has been subjected to a number of criticisms. First, Marx’s predictions have not come true. Far from society becoming polarised and the working class becoming p oorer, almost everyone in western societies enjoys a far higher standard of living than ever before. The collapse of so-called ‘communist’ regimes like the former Soviet Union, and growing private ownership and capitalist growth in China, cast some doubt on the viability of the practical implementationShow MoreRelatedSociology- Marxism1579 Words   |  7 Pagesaccepted and apart of a group. For this reason socialisation is a better tool to use to create social order. When violence is used people may be suppressed for a while but will eventually become so tired of living in fear that they demand change, as Marxism says a new level of consciousness will be formed, for example ‘socialist consciousness’. If a person is not living in fear there is nothing they see as important to change and so continue to live as the government and more importantly the bourgeoisieRead MoreTheories Of Sociology : Functionalism And Marxism Essay1894 Words   |  8 PagesThis ess ay will aim to outline and criticise two critical theories of sociology: Functionalism and Marxism; while exploring their approach towards education in society. As a result, reaching a conclusion that is able to suggest and explain which of these perspectives offers the most accurate analysis of this area. First emerging in the nineteenth-century Europe, the Functionalist approach is a variant of Structuralism and was heavily influenced by Emile Durkheim (Haralambos Holborn, 2008, pp.Read More Karl Marx Essay1742 Words   |  7 Pagesphilosopher stands out amongst the crowd, and that person is named Karl Marx (1818-1883). In this essay I aim to explore and critically assess his ideas, theories, and studies in his contribution to sociology, and if his ideas, theories and studies are useful to this contribution to sociology. Sociology began in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in Western Europe. Around this time, the political and economic systems in Europe were changing. Things like the Monarchy, (which was the rule ofRead MoreThe Marxist Theory Of Law1348 Words   |  6 Pagesthe fundamental theorists of marxism, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber who have been profoundly compelling in identifying and developing the sociology of law. Although many believe that their theories expand upon each other, others contend that the ideas of Marx, Durkheim and Weber are simply repeated in different words. The Supreme Court Cases of Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger are prime cases of how Marx, Durkheim and Weber viewed the sociology of the law. It is necessary toRead MoreMarxist And Conflict Theories Of Deviance Essay1580 Words   |  7 Pagesthis chapter surroung Marxist and conflict theories do not always agree on all the views of their theories, they come from the same social constructionist or relativist perspective. Social construction is referred to as a theory of knowledge in sociology and communications theory that examines the development of cooperatively constructed understandings of the world. There are two general ways in which theories differ from each other, the first is their definition of power. Marxists focus on the politicalRead MoreConflict Theory Essay1066 Words   |  5 Pagestheory is mainly about power divisions and class struggle lead to conflict. This theory plays an important role when it comes to sociological studies, since it proves that sociology also has focus on phenomena of power and conflict. Since conflict theory is mainly about class struggle, one important type of conflict theory is the Marxism Conflict theory. As stated before, this theory has led to many important authors like Karl Marx to create their own version of conflict theory. Karl Marx was a GermanRead MoreSocial Analysis Of Marxist And Marxist Theory1660 Words   |  7 Pageshow it affected the Marxist tradition to be a fascinating subject matter. While researching the kinds of social analysis that were used in the formation of Marxist theory I found that Karl Marx and his predecessors concentrated less on the role sociology plays in society and concentrated more on issues of class struggle and how it affects the formation of society. I believe that their focus on class struggle is because it feeds into the idea of reforming society in a more fair and just manner. Read MoreKarl Marx And The German Political System1427 Words   |  6 Pagesor zero contribution to philosophy and all he did was rip off Georg Hegel’s work. Karl Marx’s theories have been influential and played a significant role in modern day communism and socialism’s developments. Marx was a founding father of modern sociology and his analysis of religion is probably one of the most notorious in expressing the beliefs in a religion or not. Marx analyzed religion from a general and scientific standpoint and spoke of religion in a way that made people question if his theoryRead MoreThe Communist Manifesto Marx And Engels855 Words   |  4 Pagesconsidered classes, these may have been strata or elites that were not based solely on economic factors like that of priesthood, knights, or military elite. Marx s theories about society, economics and politics, which are collectively known as Marxism, argue that all society progresses through the dialectic of class struggle. He was heavily critical of the current socio-economic form of society, capitalism, which he called the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie, believing it to be run by the wealthyRead MoreAsses the Marxist View That the Main Role of the Family Is to Serve the Interest of Capitalism847 Words   |  4 PagesAsses the Marxist view that the main role of the family is to serve the interest of capitalism. Within sociology there are many different perspectives on the family. Each different perspective sees different things as the main role of the family.  Marxists view the family in a very disparaging light. They believe that the main role of the family is to serve the interest of capitalism and bourgeoisie. Marxists also believe that the family cushions the main provider. Karl Marxs view on the capitalistic