Introduction to theoretical perspectives Marxism

Getting you thinking.... Individually read through the getting you thinking task and answer the three questions asked

By the end of this lesson you will be able to...  Identify and define the term conflict theory  identify and define how Marxism has contributed to our understanding of society,  Apply the concepts of Marxism to contemporary society.

Conflict theory  The conflict theory is quite similar to functionalism as it sees society as a system and human behaviour is a response to that system,

WDYT How is social order maintained is society ?

So what is Marxism about....  Founder was Karl Marx ( ),  Marx believed that society was split into two major parts (infrastructure and superstructure),  Infrastructure is known as the economic base and the superstructure which is the rest of society such as religion, educational system etc.  Marx believes that the infrastructure shapes the superstructure.

Proletariat and the bourgeoisie

Societ y Ruling class which owns the means of production such as land, raw materials, machinery and tools Capitalist who own the private industry in western society Proletariat: also known as the subject class are the workers who produce wealth in the form of goods yet a large part of the wealth is taken in the form of profit by the capitalist class. In conclusion this division in class and of status will lead to conflict as one group benefits at the expense of another. This would lead to the overthrow of the capitalist class.

WDYT Individually write down your own personal definition of what you think the term ideology means

What is ideology ?  Ideologies are a framework of ideas,  Ideas are socially produced,  Beliefs may be true or false,  Ideologies are biased

Have a think ? Can you think of any ideologies held by the ruling class in western society ?

Ruling class ideology  Political and legal systems support the ruling class,  Laws will protect the right of capitalist to own and make profits,  The beliefs and values of society will support ruling class domination  Capitalism seen as just a reasonable,  False consciousness

Modern day capitalism ? 

What if? What if we hadn’t done today’s lesson? What if you weren’t allowed to know what we’ve learnt today? What if everything I’ve told you today was false?