Personal Details:-
Name: Drashti Joshi
Batch: M.A. Sem.3 (2022-2024)
Enrollment N/o.: 4069206420220016
Roll N/o.: 05
E-mail Address: drashtijoshi582@gmail.com
Assignment Details:-
Topic:- Marxism
Paper: 204
Subject code & Paper N/o.: 22409
Paper Name:- Contemporary Western Theories and Film Studies
Submitted to: Smt. S.B. Gardi Department of English M.K.B.U.
Date of submission: 27 November 2023
Points to Ponder:-
Introduction
What is Marxism?
Definition of Marxism
Class conflict in Marxism
Example of Marxism
Conclusion
Abstract:-
This analysis applies Marxist theory to examine socio-economic themes in a contemporary context. Focusing on class struggle, economic inequality, and critiques of capitalism, the study delves into various aspects without specific reference to a movie. Key points include the delineation of class structures, exploitation, and revolutionary elements. Symbolism and allegory are explored to reveal broader Marxist concepts, while the critique of capitalism is considered alongside suggestions for alternative socio-economic structures. The analysis also examines historical context, character agency in relation to class positions, and the resolution of class conflicts, providing a nuanced understanding of how these themes manifest in a socio-economic context.
Keywords:- Marxist analysis, Class struggle, Economic inequality, Critic of Capitalism.
Introduction:-
Marxism refers to the social, political and economic principles laid down by Karl Marx. The philosophy is named after the economist and philosopher Karl Marx. The philosopher was famous for his theories on capitalism and communism.Karl Marx believed that the capitalist system is inherently self-destructive. This is because the alienation and exploitation of the worker under a capitalist society would inevitably drive the working class to rebel against the owners and seize control of the means of production.The revolution will shift the power to the working class and in turn lead to social ownership of the means of production, which according to Marxism is the essential element in the transformation of society. Marx mentioned that the power relationships between capitalists and workers would inherently lead to the exploitation of workers by private enterprises and hence would inevitably create class conflict.
What is Marxism?:-
Marxism is a social, political, and economic philosophy named after Karl Marx (1818-1883). Marxism has had a great historical influence on the organisation of countries, as well as numerous theories in sociology.
In sociology, Marxism has manifested as a method for socioeconomic analysis. Using the methods of Marxism, sociologists can outline the dominant power structures of society and examine their effects on how people within society see power structures.
Marx defined the value of a good in terms of the amount of labour needed to produce it. This is called the Labor Theory of Value.
Marxism draws a differentiation between two groups of people in society: the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. According to Marx, the bourgeoisie exploited the labour of the proletariat for profit.
The bourgeoisie is also differentiated from the proletariat for owning the means of production — everything needed to produce goods in a society. This inability to control their own work results in alienation among the proletariat and a loss of creative autonomy. (Nickerson)
“Marxism itself can be considered to be both a political philosophy and a sociological method.”
With the emergence of Industrial Revolution, a new system of production came into existence in the society and that was capitalism. The capitalistic system gave rise to two classes - owners’ class and workers' class. The capitalists were men of wealth, power and property and they started to exploit the workers. They committed injustice upon the workers' class as a result of which the atmosphere of unrest and displeasure got aroused in the workers' class. A large number of philosophers and thinkers got united against the injustice and exploitation done by the capitalists during this period. Among these philosophers and thinkers, the German philosopher, Karl Marx, was a leading figure. Karl Marx is the pioneer of modern communist philosophy. He is a philosopher and thinker who led the struggle against injustice. He gave a new turn to the conflict between capitalists and workers. Along With Friedrich Engels, he supported all movements for the amelioration of workers' conditions and for their democratic rights. He thoroughly devoted himself to the welfare and upliftment of this class. (“Marxism: Definition and Meaning”)
In his. philosophy, Marx believed that labour, value and materialism are the basic things and further maintained that labour of the worker should be honoured with its due returns. He also remarked that the progress of society is possible with the help of workers' labour only. Therefore, the workers must get a fair share of their labour in the form of wages for maintaining their expenses on food, shelter, clothing, education for children etc. which will bring happiness to the worker and his family. It is for the sake of giving comfort to him and to his family the worker puts his labour in the system of production.
The word 'Marxism' derives its name from that of Karl Marx, a famous German economist and social philosopher of the 19th century. Marx is the chief exponent of this theory. In a sense 'Marxism' is a body of doctrine developed by Karl Marx and to a lesser extent, by Friedrich Engels in the middle of the 19th century and consists originally of three interrelated ideas - philosophical view of man, a theory of history and an economic and political programme. During his time, Marx attempted to maintain consistency and coherence among these ideas. However, after the death of Marx, many new interpretations became a part of this doctrine.
Definition of Marxism:-
Here is definition which is given by John Lewis,
Marxism is the highest development of humanism, it is the form in which the age-long contradiction between human advance and human subjection is resolved, it is the last rebellion of the oppressed, and the only one in which success is possible. It takes its origin from the rebellion of man against inhuman conditions and its single aim is the recovery of man's lost humanity. This is the very essence of humanism and Marxism is humanism in its contemporary form. (Lewis)
Class conflict in Marxism:-
It is important to recognize that Marx viewed the structure of society in relation to its major classes, and the struggle between them as the engine of change in this structure. His was no equilibrium or consensus theory. Conflict was not deviational within society's structure, nor were classes functional elements maintaining the system. The structure itself was a derivative of an ingredient in the struggle of classes. His was a conflict view of modern (nineteenth century) society. The key to understanding Marx is his class definition. A class is defined by the ownership of property. Such ownership vests a person with the power to exclude others from the property and to use it for personal purposes. In relation to property there are three great classes of society: the bourgeoisie (who own the means of production such as machinery and factory buildings, and whose source of income is profit), landowners (whose income is rent), and the proletariat (who own their labour and sell it for a wage).
Class thus is determined by property, not by income or status. These are determined by distribution and consumption, which itself ultimately reflects the production and power relations of classes. The social conditions of bourgeoisie production are defined by bourgeois property. Class is therefore a theoretical and formal relationship among individuals. The force transforming latent class membership into a struggle of classes is class interest. Out of similar class situations, individuals come to act similarly. They develop a mutual dependence, a community, a shared interest interrelated with a common income of profit or of wages. From this common interest classes are formed, and for Marx, individuals form classes to the extent that their interests engage them in a struggle with the opposite class. (Rummel)
Overall, there are six elements in Marx's view of class conflict.
Classes are authority relationships based on property ownership.
A class defines groupings of individuals with shared life situations, thus interests.
Classes are naturally antagonistic by virtue of their interests.
Imminent within modern society is the growth of two antagonistic classes and their struggle, which eventually absorbs all social relations.
Political organisation and Power is an instrumentality of class struggle, and reigning ideas are its reflection.
Structural change is a consequence of the class struggle.
In the Communist Manifesto Marx says, "The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggle." The concept of class struggle or class war is very important in Marx's theory. It originated from Marx's theories of dialectical materialism, historical materialism and surplus value. Marx says that in the history of human society, there has been war or struggle between two classes from the very beginning. Every society includes two classes having hatred or antagonism against each other. For example, the landowner exploits the landless; the factory owners exploit the workers. In the 'Communist Manifesto' Marx says:
Freeman and slave, patrician and plebeian, lord and serf, guild master and journeyman, in a word, oppressor and oppressed, stood in constant opposition to one another, carried on uninterrupted, now hidden and now open fight, a fight that each time ended either in a revolutionary reconstitution of society at large or in the common ruin of the contending classes.
In Marx's theory class structure is dependent upon the production forces of society.
Examples of Marxism:-
Marxist literary criticism examines literature from the perspective of Marxist theory, which is rooted in the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It focuses on the social, economic, and political aspects of a society and how these factors influence and are reflected in literature. Here are some examples of literature that can be analysed through a Marxist lens:
1. "The Communist Manifesto" by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels (1848):
This seminal work itself provides a foundation for understanding Marxism and can be analysed for its influence on subsequent literature.
2. "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck (1939):
Steinbeck's novel explores the plight of the Joad family during the Great Depression, addressing themes of social injustice, exploitation of the working class, and the impact of capitalism.
3. "Animal Farm" by George Orwell (1945):
Although Orwell was critical of the Soviet Union, "Animal Farm" is often interpreted as a critique of the corruption of socialist ideals. It explores the dynamics of power and class struggle.
4. "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair (1906):
Sinclair's novel exposes the harsh conditions of the meatpacking industry in Chicago and the exploitation of immigrant workers. It highlights the dehumanizing effects of capitalism.
5. "The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists" by Robert Tressell (1914):
This novel deals with the lives of a group of working-class painters and decorators in England. It explores economic inequality, exploitation, and the struggle of the working class.
6. "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1962):
Solzhenitsyn's novel depicts a day in the life of a prisoner in a Soviet labour camp. It can be analysed for its portrayal of the dehumanising effects of oppressive political and economic systems.
7. "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood (1985):
Atwood's dystopian novel explores themes of power, control, and oppression in a theocratic society. It can be interpreted through a Marxist lens to analyse the hierarchical structure and exploitation of certain social classes.
8. "In Dubious Battle" by John Steinbeck (1936):
Another work by Steinbeck, this novel focuses on the struggles of labour organisers in California during the 1930s. It delves into the dynamics of class conflict and the exploitation of workers.
9. "The Iron Heel" by Jack London (1908):
London's novel is a dystopian narrative that explores the rise of an oligarchy dictatorship in the United States. It addresses themes of class struggle, inequality, and the concentration of power.
These examples demonstrate how literature can be analysed through a Marxist lens to uncover underlying social, economic, and political issues and critique the structures that perpetuate inequality.
Conclusion:-
In essence, Marxism is a comprehensive ideology encompassing political and economic theories articulated by Karl Marx and his adherents. At its core, it advocates for the eradication of private ownership of the means of production. The central tenets of Marxism envision a society where work and sustenance are guaranteed for all, reflecting a commitment to broader societal welfare. Additionally, Marxism foresees a societal framework where the rule is vested in the masses, promoting a vision of collective governance and equitable distribution of resources.
References:-
Lewis, John. Marxism & the Open Mind. Greenwood Press, 1973. Accessed 24 November 2023.
“Marxism: Definition and Meaning.” http://www.sfsmahavidyalaya.ac.in/studyMaterial/5746Sem-6.-Dse-3.-Marxism-10-05-2020%20(1).pdf. Accessed 24 November 2023.
Nickerson, Charlotte. “Marxism: Definition, Theory, Ideology, Examples, & Facts.” Simply Psychology, 5 October 2023, https://www.simplypsychology.org/marxism.html. Accessed 24 November 2023.
Rummel, RJ. “MARXISM AND CLASS CONFLICT.” University of Hawaii System, https://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/CIP.CHAP5.HTM. Accessed 24 November 2023.
Sweta. “Marxism - Definition, What is Marxism, Advantages of Marxism, and Latest News.” ClearTax, https://cleartax.in/glossary/marxism/. Accessed 24 November 2023.
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