Historical Materialism

Historical Materialism

humans must engage in economic activity to produce material goods; this economic system determines society (Marx)

mode of production

the ways humans produce means of subsistence

bourgeoise

have capital (means to produce)

proletariat

own nothing but their labor

class consciousness

awareness and unification of one’s class

false consciousness

way of thinking that prevents people form perceiving the true nature of their social/economic situation

communism

hypothetical economic/political system in which all members of society are equal

socialism

economic system where natural resources/means of production are collectively owned

Communist instructions (10)

1. abolish private property

2. heavy progressive income tax

3. abolition of rights of inheritance

4. confiscation of property of emigrants/rebels

5. centralization of credit in hands of state

6. centralization of means of communication/transport in hands of state

7. extension of factories/means of production owned by state

8. equal liability of all to work, establish industrial armies

9. gradual abolition of distinction between town/country

10. free education, plus abolition of family

Historical Materialism Critical Thinking

assumes inherent competition, conflict only resolved through revolution, inequality is structural, dichotomizes life into oppressor and oppressed, doesn’t account for govt restraint on bourgeoise, doesn’t account for mutually beneficial relationships between have/have nots, not an example of total ruin in capitalist society, despotic governments, human rights atrocities/tyranny

Social Conflict Theory

perspective that sees groups competing for limited resources and control, resulting in social inequality (have/have nots)

gender-conflict theory

inequality between women and men

feminist theory

theory rejecting patriarchy and sexism

race-conflict theory

inequality and conflict between people of different racial and ethnic categories