Political Science 101 POLS: Political Theory - Marxism Marx Engels Communist Manifesto Das Kapital Class Struggle Surplus Value Alienation Historical Materialism Base and Superstructure

1. What This Is & Why It Matters

Marxism is a socio-economic and philosophical theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, emphasizing class struggle and the role of economics in shaping society. Understanding Marxism is crucial in political science as it helps explain the dynamics of inequality, the rise of socialism and communism, and the impact of capitalism on social and economic structures. Without grasping Marxism, you'll struggle to comprehend the complexities of modern politics, from the Occupy Wall Street movement to the ongoing debates on income inequality and economic policy.

Consider the 2020 US presidential election, where candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren drew heavily from Marxist ideas, advocating for policies like Medicare for All and a wealth tax. Their proposals aimed to address the perceived injustices of capitalism, echoing Marx's critique of the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist elite.

2. Essential Thinkers, Concepts & Models

• Karl Marx: A German philosopher and economist who, along with Friedrich Engels, developed the theory of Marxism.
  • Definition: Marx argued that society is divided into two main classes: the bourgeoisie (capitalists) and the proletariat (workers), with the bourgeoisie exploiting the proletariat for profit.
  • Why it's still relevant: Marx's ideas on class struggle and alienation continue to influence contemporary debates on income inequality, labor rights, and economic policy.
• Friedrich Engels: A German philosopher and historian who collaborated with Marx on the Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital.
  • Definition: Engels emphasized the role of class struggle in shaping history and the need for a proletarian revolution to overthrow the capitalist system.
  • Why it's still relevant: Engels' work on the conditions of the working class in Victorian England continues to inform discussions on labor rights and social welfare policies.
• Communist Manifesto: A pamphlet written by Marx and Engels in 1848, outlining the principles of communism and the need for a proletarian revolution.
  • Definition: The Manifesto argues that communism is the inevitable outcome of the class struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
  • Why it's still relevant: The Manifesto's ideas on the role of ideology in shaping society and the inevitability of revolution continue to influence contemporary debates on politics and economics.
• Das Kapital: A three-volume work written by Marx in 1867, critiquing capitalism and outlining the theory of surplus value.
  • Definition: Das Kapital argues that capitalism is based on the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist class, who extract surplus value from labor.
  • Why it's still relevant: Marx's analysis of capitalism's inherent contradictions and the concept of surplus value continue to inform discussions on economic policy and labor rights.
• Class Struggle: The central concept of Marxism, emphasizing the conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
  • Definition: Class struggle is the driving force of history, with the proletariat eventually overthrowing the bourgeoisie to establish a communist society.
  • Why it's still relevant: The idea of class struggle continues to influence contemporary debates on income inequality, labor rights, and economic policy.
• Surplus Value: The excess value created by labor beyond the cost of production, which is extracted by the capitalist class.
  • Definition: Surplus value is the source of profit for capitalists, who exploit the labor of the working class to accumulate wealth.
  • Why it's still relevant: Marx's concept of surplus value continues to inform discussions on economic policy, labor rights, and income inequality.
• Alienation: The process by which workers become disconnected from their labor, their fellow workers, and their humanity under capitalism.
  • Definition: Alienation is a result of the capitalist system, which reduces workers to mere commodities and erodes their sense of self-worth.
  • Why it's still relevant: Marx's concept of alienation continues to influence contemporary debates on labor rights, social welfare policies, and the human impact of capitalism.
• Historical Materialism: The Marxist theory of history, which argues that social and economic structures shape human consciousness and behavior.
  • Definition: Historical materialism posits that the material conditions of society determine the course of history, with the class struggle driving social change.
  • Why it's still relevant: Marx's theory of historical materialism continues to influence contemporary debates on the role of economics in shaping society and the inevitability of revolution.
• Base and Superstructure: The Marxist concept of the relationship between the economic base (production relations) and the superstructure (ideology, politics, and culture).
  • Definition: The base determines the superstructure, with the economic conditions of society shaping the ideas and institutions that govern it.
  • Why it's still relevant: Marx's concept of base and superstructure continues to influence contemporary debates on the role of economics in shaping society and the relationship between ideology and power.

3. Step-by-Step 'Political Analysis'

1. Identify the key concepts: Familiarize yourself with the core ideas of Marxism, including class struggle, surplus value, alienation, historical materialism, and base and superstructure.
2. Analyze the context: Consider the historical and social context in which Marxism emerged, including the Industrial Revolution and the rise of capitalism.
3. Evaluate the evidence: Assess the empirical evidence supporting or challenging Marxist theories, such as the growth of income inequality and the decline of labor unions.
4. Compare and contrast: Examine the similarities and differences between Marxist theory and other political ideologies, such as liberalism and conservatism.
5. Test a hypothesis: Develop a research question or hypothesis related to Marxism and test it using empirical data or case studies.

4. Common Student Mistakes

• Misconception: Marx argued that communism would lead to a classless society with no private property.
  • The right view: Marx envisioned a communist society where the means of production are collectively owned, but private property would still exist in the form of personal possessions.
• Misconception: The Communist Manifesto advocated for the violent overthrow of the capitalist system.
  • The right view: While the Manifesto does call for a proletarian revolution, it emphasizes the need for a peaceful and democratic transition to communism.
• Misconception: Marxism is a rigid and dogmatic ideology that rejects all forms of individual freedom.
  • The right view: Marxist theory emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and creativity, particularly in the context of a communist society where people are free to pursue their passions and interests.

5. Exam/Essay Tips

• Multiple-choice questions: Be prepared to identify key concepts and theories, such as class struggle and surplus value.
• Free-response questions: Use specific examples and case studies to illustrate Marxist theories and concepts, such as the rise of income inequality and the decline of labor unions.
• Trap distinctions: Be aware of the differences between Marxist theory and other political ideologies, such as liberalism and conservatism.
• Integrating the topic into an argumentative essay: Use Marxist theory to analyze contemporary issues, such as income inequality and economic policy, and argue for or against specific policies or ideologies.

6. Quick Practice Scenario

A company announces plans to lay off hundreds of workers due to "market conditions." Which Marxist concept is most relevant to this scenario?

Answer: Alienation. The company's decision to lay off workers would lead to a sense of disconnection and powerlessness among the affected employees, illustrating the alienating effects of capitalism.

7. Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Karl Marx: German philosopher and economist who developed the theory of Marxism.
• Friedrich Engels: German philosopher and historian who collaborated with Marx on the Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital.
• Communist Manifesto: A pamphlet written by Marx and Engels in 1848, outlining the principles of communism and the need for a proletarian revolution.
• Das Kapital: A three-volume work written by Marx in 1867, critiquing capitalism and outlining the theory of surplus value.
• Class Struggle: The central concept of Marxism, emphasizing the conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
• Surplus Value: The excess value created by labor beyond the cost of production, which is extracted by the capitalist class.
• Alienation: The process by which workers become disconnected from their labor, their fellow workers, and their humanity under capitalism.
• Historical Materialism: The Marxist theory of history, which argues that social and economic structures shape human consciousness and behavior.
• Base and Superstructure: The Marxist concept of the relationship between the economic base (production relations) and the superstructure (ideology, politics, and culture).
• "Separate but equal" was overturned by Brown v. Board – Plessy v. Ferguson was the earlier, racist ruling.

8. Further Study Resources

• American Government: Stories of a Nation by David M. Kennedy and Lizabeth Cohen
• Khan Academy unit on Marxism
• Crash Course Government YouTube channel
• The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels (free online version)