Marxist explanations for inequality

What type of theory is Marxism?

Conflict theory

How do Marxists see inequality?

A result of capitalist system division of bourgeoisie and proletariat.

What is profit from exploitation called?

Surplus value

What are the 2 types of structures in society?

Substructure and Superstructure

Which structure influences inequality?

The superstructure which controls government, beliefs and ideologies promoting false consciousness.

What does Karl Marx say about inequality?

Social change is the natural order of society. Each form of society there are those who control property and those who work for them exercising power and indirect control using ideology. We accept ideology being true or self-evident without questioning them

What does Antonio Gramsci say about hegemonic culture?

Ideas of ruling class become common sense ideas that remain unchallenged. Religion is an important form of mental control. Inequality exists because people are led to believe it is inevitable if people challenge dominant ideas they will be challenged physically.

How does Louis Althusser say inequality is reinforced?

Through ideological and repressive state apparatus, individuals trained to become part of the capitalist state by institutions such as family, media, education.

How does Zaretsky 1976 explain gender inequality?

The family supports capitalism because it was a home of refuge for men who didnt realise misery at work. The domestic role of women meant they supported capitalism through pregnancy and production of workers, unit of consumption and agency of socialisation and control.

How does Oakley criticise Marx explanation of gender inequality?

He was more focused on economics and class. Views of men and women were very different in the context and time that Marx was writing.

How does Engels explain gender inequality?

Women become imprisoned in domestic labour when men first own property and wish to pass wealth onto children. Marriage controls women’s sexuality and benefits men.

How do Marxists explain ethnic inequality?

Ethnic minorities used as scapegoats to distract from capitalism

How did Karl Marx explain ethnic inequality?

Used the situation of the Irish being seen as subhuman to explain how racism supported capitalism. Because groups within the working class fought eachother and failed to see the real enemy being the bourgeoisie

How does Stuart hall add to ethnic inequality?

Working class people were encouraged to dislike ethnic minorities and the media would report on black criminality so more serious issues were overlooked

How does Marxism explain age inequality?

The older and younger generation are more likely to be exploited as the reserve army of labour.

How does Althussers theory add to age inequality?

Ideological state apparatus, state pensions and child benefits prevent them from releasing the full effects of their position in society.

How does Phillipson (2010) explain age inequality?

Old people rely on welfare as well as pensions which emphasises their low status creating a dependency culture.

What is the dual labour market?

The young are more likely to work for low pay and zero hour contracts as there’s a secondary sector in the labour market