INTROUDCUTION TO SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES - CRITICISM OF MARXISM

Definition of proletariat

the working class who sell those labour for wages in a capitalist society

Definition of bourgeoisie

the factory owners or anyone who owns the means of production

Definition of capitalism

private ownership of the means of production, wage based labour to generate a profit

What was the main theory called that criticized marxism?

theory of alienation

What was the theory of alienation?

the lack of power, control and fulfillment experienced by workers in capitalist societies

How did Marx think the workers felt in the theory of alienation?

Marx believed workers felt increasingly separated from their work (people who specialized in their jobs were not part of a production line)

What did Marx and Engles describe the proletariat in the communist manifesto?

"part of the machine" therefore their work is "alien"

What is Ascribed status?

the social status that a person is born into, without working towards it

Examples of Ascribed status?

• princess andre

• baron trump

• the kardashians

How many social classes are there thought to be rather than just 2 as Marx believed?

7

What are the names of the 7 social classes?

1. Elite

2. Established middle class

3. Technical middle class

4. New affluent workers

5. Traditional working class

6. Emergent service workers

7. Precariat, or precarious proletariat

Is capitalism in modern day the same as then?

Capitalism in modern day society is less exploitative

What has now been introduced in the UK to prevents businesses from exploiting their workers?

The national minimum wage (£12.21 aged 21 and over)

What does the introduction of the welfare state mean?

The more you earn, the more you get taxed to support eduction, healthcare, pensions

What did Marx believed the bourgeoise controlled?

The economy

What agencies influence society?

• the government

• the royal family

• education

• religion

What 5 aspects come under the "superstructure" of society?

• education

• family

• religion

• mass media

• politics

What does the superstructure do?

Influences people (things you can see)

What is the "base" of society?

The things you can't see that influence people

Examples of the "base" in society?

Relations of production and means of production

What percentage of jobs in the UK today require skilled or professional workers

45%

Why is work less alienating today?

• more people becoming self employed

• more people are now working from home (more productive)

Did the communist/proletariat revolution lead to greater equality?

No - it did not less to greater equality and freedom as Marx hoped