Marxism Key Terms

Proletariat

The name given by Marx to the workers in a society their labor produces wealth. 

Bourgeoise

the name given by marx to the owners of the means of production in a society.

Exploitation

a person is exploited if he or she performs more labor than necessary to produce the goods society consumes.

Alienation

the estrangement of people from their human nature. Laborers are alienated because they are separated from nature, other people, and do not control their labor or product.

Conflict Theory

the theory that history develops neither in a random fashion nor in a linear one but instead through class conflicts.

False consciousness

people’s acceptance of an unfavorable social system without protest or questions; “the logical way for things to be”. 

Base

the methods of production in a given society: the economy 

Superstructure

the social, political and ideological systems and institutions of society:

Use value

 an assessment of the worth of something based on what it can do (does not change)

Exchange value

an assessment of the worth of something based on its prestige or reputation (can change) 

Conspicuous consumption

the obvious acquisition of things only for their sign value.

Commodification

the transform of goods, services and ideas into commodities or objects of trade (ex. Food, healthcare, education)

Reification

treating people like commodities to influence the market  (ex. celebrities, influencers)