Marxism: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The ideas of this movement were developed in the 19th century by Karl Marx, who wanted to help working people improve their lives.
• The 1848 'Communist Manifesto' is one of the main texts written by Marx, outlining his thoughts on class struggle and capitalism.
• Marx's theories arose during the Industrial Revolution, a time of great change and hardship for many workers.

Political Impact

• Many countries in the 20th century adopted Marxist ideas, leading to the establishment of communist governments, most notably in Russia and China.
• The Cold War era (1947-1991) was heavily influenced by the clash of capitalist and Marxist ideologies.
• Marxism has given rise to various political movements advocating for workers' rights and economic equality around the world.

Cultural Influence

• Marx's ideas have inspired countless works of literature, film, and art that explore themes of class struggle and inequality.
• The term 'class struggle' is often referenced in popular culture, emphasizing conflict between different socio-economic classes.
• Many modern social theories and movements trace their origins back to Marxist thought, impacting areas like feminism and environmentalism.

Economic Theory

• Marxism critiques capitalist economies, arguing that they lead to exploitation of workers in favor of profit for a few.
• The concept of 'surplus value' in Marxism explains how workers are not paid the full value of what they produce, leading to inequality.
• Marx proposed the idea of a classless society, where all people share resources equally, in contrast to capitalist systems.

Modern Relevance

• Recent discussions about wealth inequality often reference Marxist ideas, highlighting their continued relevance in today’s society.
• The growing interest in socialism among younger generations can be partially attributed to the enduring influence of Marxist theory.
• Many activists use principles derived from Marxism to critique contemporary capitalism and advocate for social justice.