Materialism in Political Sociology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to materialism in political sociology, particularly through the lens of Karl Marx's theories.

Political Sociology

The study of the relationship between politics and society, focusing on the interactions of power, social structures, and political behavior.

Materialism

A perspective in political sociology that examines how material resources influence power dynamics and social relationships.

Karl Marx

A 19th-century philosopher and economist known for his critique of capitalism and his theories on class relations and social conflict.

Relational Power

The concept that power is not just held by individuals, but is defined through social relationships and interactions.

Class

A social grouping based on shared economic interests and conditions, often reflecting disparities in wealth and power.

Bourgeoisie

The capitalist class that owns and controls the means of production in a capitalist society.

Proletariat

The working class who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.

Superstructure

The institutions, culture, and social relations shaped by the economic base of society, as defined by Marx.

Dependency Theory

An approach that examines global inequality and the ways in which developed countries exploit developing nations.

Power Resources Theory (PRT)

A concept that analyzes variations in welfare state regimes based on the strength of labor and capital's ability to organize and utilize resources.