MARXIST EXPLANATIONS -SOCIAL CLASS INEQUALITY

What are the two social classes in Marx’s theory? (Marx)

The bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers).

How do the bourgeoisie maintain power? (Marx)

They own the means of production and control economic resources.

How do the proletariat survive? (Marx)

By selling their labour to the bourgeoisie.

What causes class conflict according to Marx? (Marx)

The divide between owners of capital and workers.

What causes social inequality according to Marx? (Marx)

The exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie.

What is surplus value? (Marx)

The profit the bourgeoisie take from workers’ labour.

How does surplus value create inequality? (Marx)

Owners keep the economic rewards while workers receive only wages.

What percentage of UK land is owned by 1% of the population? (Marx)

50% — showing extreme class inequality.

What does Weber argue about Marx’s two‑class model? (Weber — criticism of Marx)

It is too simplistic.

How does Weber say Marx oversimplifies class? (Weber — criticism of Marx)

He ignores differences within the working class.

What example does Weber use to criticise Marx’s class model? (Weber — criticism of Marx)

Teachers would be classed as proletariat even though they have high status.

What does Weber say Marx ignores about capitalism? (Weber — criticism of Marx)

That capitalism has improved living standards and workers’ rights.

What do capitalists control according to Gramsci? (Gramsci)

The minds and beliefs of the working class.

What is hegemony? (Gramsci)

Dominance through cultural and ideological means.

How do capitalists maintain hegemony? (Gramsci)

By convincing workers that capitalism is fair and legitimate.

Why is hegemony important for capitalism? (Gramsci)

It prevents workers from developing class consciousness.

How does the media portray the working class according to Jones? (Jones)

As inferior or problematic.

What term does the media use to demonise the working class? (Jones)

“Chav”.

How does the press portray the unemployed? (Jones)

As “scroungers”.

What is the effect of media demonisation? (Jones)

It reinforces negative stereotypes and justifies inequality.

What is the ‘reserve army of labour’? (Castles & Kosack)

A group of unemployed workers used to keep wages low.

How does the reserve army benefit the bourgeoisie? (Castles & Kosack)

It prevents workers from demanding higher wages.

How does capitalism encourage unemployment? (Castles & Kosack)

To maintain control and weaken workers’ bargaining power.

What is the ‘divide and rule’ strategy? (Castles & Kosack)

Encouraging competition between groups of workers.

Why do capitalists divide workers? (Castles & Kosack)

To stop them uniting and rebelling.

How do the bourgeoisie divide workers? (Castles & Kosack)

Through media narratives and competition.

What happens if workers unite? (Castles & Kosack)

They become stronger and threaten capitalist power.

What do functionalists argue about unemployment? (Davis & Moore — functionalist criticism of Marx)

t is due to lack of merit, not capitalist exploitation.

How do functionalists explain working‑class disadvantage? (Davis & Moore — functionalist criticism of Marx)

They have fewer skills, so they get lower‑paid jobs.

What does Parsons argue about why people accept inequality? (Parsons — functionalist criticism of Marx)

Because of value consensus, not false consciousness.

How does Parsons view the media? (Parsons — functionalist criticism of Marx)

It reflects majority values, not capitalist manipulation.

What is cultural capital? (Bourdieu)

Knowledge, skills and cultural resources that give advantage.

How does cultural capital maintain inequality? (Bourdieu)

It matches the culture of those in power, benefiting the middle class.