Marxism (AQA A Level Sociology): Revision Note

Marxism

• Marxism is a conflict theory developed by Karl Marx

• It focuses on the economic structure of society, particularly in capitalist systems, which Marxists see as unequal and exploitative

• Unlike consensus theories (e.g., Functionalism), Marxism argues that society is held together not by shared values, but by conflict between social classes over wealth, power, and resources

Social classes under capitalism

• Marx saw capitalism as based on a two-class system:

  • The bourgeoisie

    • These are the ruling class, who own the means of production, i.e., land, factories, and raw materials

    • They control wealth, decision-making, and institutions

  • The proletariat

    • The working class, who own nothing but their labour

    • They sell their labour to the bourgeoisie in exchange for a wage

• According to Marx, this relationship is unequal and exploitative

  • This is because the wages paid to workers are less than the value of what they produce

    • The difference becomes profit for the bourgeoisie

• This creates class conflict because:

  • workers want higher wages and better conditions

  • employers want more profit, which often means keeping wages low

Social change and revolution

• Marx believed that the class struggle would eventually lead to social change

  • As the working class becomes more aware of their shared oppression (developing class consciousness), they will unite and challenge the capitalist system

  • This would lead to a revolution where the proletariat overthrows the bourgeoisie

  • The result would be communism: a classless society in which the means of production are owned collectively and exploitation is abolished

Evaluation of Marxism

Strengths

• Provides a basis for social change

  • Marxist theory doesn't just describe inequality—it seeks to challenge and change it

  • By exposing exploitation and class conflict, it has inspired social movements and policies aimed at promoting greater equality

Criticisms

• Too economically deterministic

  • Marx placed too much emphasis on economic class as the main force shaping society

  • Critics like Max Weber argue that status and power (e.g., prestige, education, lifestyle) also shape social inequality

• Ignores gender and ethnicity

  • Marx focused mainly on class and overlooked other important social divisions

  • Feminists argue he failed to consider patriarchy, whilst other critics highlight that racial inequalities are overlooked

• Outdated predictions

  • Revolutions in advanced capitalist countries haven’t occurred

  • Countries like the UK and the USA remain capitalist, with no major proletarian revolution

• Neglects social mobility and welfare

  • Modern capitalist societies have introduced things like state welfare and minimum wages that have improved life for many

  • This challenges the idea that all workers are exploited in the same way