SOCI 313- Communist Manifesto

Historicism

The view that history is a fundamental, teleological force shaping society and culture toward a specific end

What is historical materialism?

Marx’s theory that material conditions—especially the means and relations of production—drive historical change.

How does historical materialism differ from idealist history?

It emphasizes economic structures over ideas; material reality shapes consciousness, not vice versa.

What class struggle defines capitalist society?

Bourgeoisie (owners of production) vs. Proletariat (working class).

How do class relations evolve across history?

Slavery → Feudalism → Capitalism, each defined by dominant class conflicts tied to production.

Why is capitalism both overdetermined and oversimplified?

It’s shaped by many forces (overdetermined) but reduces all social relations to economic ones (oversimplified)

Where did the bourgeoisie originate?

From medieval burghers and serfs, empowered by global trade and colonialism.

What political shift accompanied their rise?

Urban communes became the “third estate” under monarchies, gaining influence through revolutions

What replaced the guild-master system?

Large-scale manufacturing systems and factories.

How did technology reshape class structure?

Machinery centralized production, deskilled labor, and widened class divisions.

How did industrialization affect political power?

Shifted influence from feudal lords to capitalists, who shaped laws and institutions.

What is the “epidemic of overproduction”?

Capitalism produces more than can be consumed profitably, leading to crises.

How do capitalists respond to crises?

By destroying surplus and expanding markets—short-term fixes that worsen future instability.

Who sinks into the proletariat over time?

Lower middle class—tradespeople, shopkeepers, peasants.

What triggers class consciousness?

Economic crises and collective struggle reveal systemic exploitation.

Why is the proletariat the “class of the future”?

It has no stake in preserving capitalism and must abolish all class structures to be liberated.

What are key goals of the Communist revolution?

Abolish private property, inheritance, child labor; centralize credit and production; provide free education.

What role does the state play in communism?

Initially centralizes resources for revolution; eventually “withers away” as class distinctions dissolve.

Why is Marxism still relevant today?

It explains persistent inequality, class struggle, and systemic crises in global capitalism.