marxism (2)

What is Historical Materialism?

A theory that asserts that the mode of production (economic system) is the most important factor shaping society and history. It argues that societal changes are primarily driven by the development of material productive forces and the resulting class struggles.

Define Class Struggle (Klassenkampf) in Marxist theory.

The fundamental conflict between the ruling class (owner of the means of production, e.g., the bourgeoisie) and the oppressed class (laborers, e.g., the proletariat) over economic resources and power, which Marx believed was the engine of historical change.

What is Alienation (Entfremdung) in Karl Marx's view?

The estrangement of individuals from the products of their labor, the process of labor itself, their species-being (human nature), and from other individuals, largely due to the capitalist system of production.

Who are the Bourgeoisie and the Proletariat?

The Bourgeoisie refers to the capitalist class who own the means of production (e.g., factories, land). The Proletariat refers to the working class who own no means of production and must sell their labor power to survive.