AQA A level Sociology: Marxism

What type of theory is Marxism?

Structural-conflict theory

What does the structural bit mean?

There is a social structure that shapes individual behaviour through socialisation

What does the conflict bit mean?

Society is primarily conflict-ridden and unstable

What do Marxists believe is necessary in order for society to improve?

Revolution and the establishment of a communist society

What are the two social classes identified by Karl Marx?

The Proletariat and the Bourgeoisie

How does Marx argue the Bourgeoisie are able to maintain control?

As they control the economic base and therefore the superstructure of society

What is the economic base?

Society's infrastructure - the media and parliament

How does Marx believe members of the proletariat are alienated?

From the product of their labour

Marx believed society would become increasingly polarised until...

the proletariat realised its exploitation and revolted.

How do Marxists believe the Criminal Justice System serves the needs of the ruling class only?

As the CJS is not fundamentally concerned with protecting everyone, but just protecting the interests of the ruling class - they can pay for better lawyers

How do Marxists believe that religion serves the needs of the ruling class only?

As religion legitimates poverty, stopping the working class from uprising

Who are the two key Neo-Marxist sociologists?

Gramsci and Althusser

How does Gramsci believe the ruling class maintain dominance?

Through hegemony

What is hegemony?

Where political and moral beliefs are passed down through institutions to justify ruling class dominance

What does Gramsci believe the proletariat have, contrary to Marx?

A dual-consciousness

What does a dual-consciousness mean?

The proletariat are aware of their exploitation

What did Gramsci believe the superstructure had?

Relative autonomy

Who did Gramsci believe would lead the proletariat to challenge hegemonic beliefs and start a revolution?

Organic intellectuals

How did Gramsci believe these organic intellectuals would be created?

Through education

What are the two apparatuses identified by Althusser?

- Ideological State Apparatuses

- Repressive State Apparatuses

What do ideological state apparatuses do?

Control the way in which individuals think, meaning they are less likely to challenge the ruling classes

What are examples of ideological state apparatuses?

- Media

- Education

- Religion

What do repressive state apparatuses do?

Control those who don't conform through force

What are examples of repressive state apparatuses?

- The police

- The legal system

- Armed forces

How did Elliot (2009) criticise Marxism?

He argued that people are not 'cultural dopes' and are aware of their exploitation

What can Marx's ideas be considered to be?

Economically deterministic

How can Marx's ideas be considered economically deterministic?

As other social factors may be more important in shaping behaviours

Why does Weber believe that a revolution has never happened?

As society has not been polarised, but instead the middle class has expanded

What has Marxism remained to be?

An important political, economic, and philosophical ideology

What has Marxism influenced democratic socialist policies to do?

Tackle social class inequalities

Which event showed that Marx was right?

The 2008 global financial crisis

What has globalisation led to?

A greater concentration of wealth into private hands, and cultural imperialism

What is cultural imperialism?

The practice of spreading beliefs of one dominant group onto minority groups