1. Fundamental Premises of Marxism Critical Theory Today (Lois Tyson) Language I U.T.N.-F.R.V.M. Francisco Vergara 2010

2. ► Class System in America Ideology ► Marxist Terminology ►

3.  For Marxism getting and keeping economic power is the motive behind all political and social activities (education, religión, philophy, etc).  Economics is the base on which the superstructure of social/political/ideological realities is built.

4. Material circumstances Historical situation economic conditions social/political/ideological atmosphere

5.  Neither human events nor human productions can be understood without understanding the specific material/historical circumstances in which those productions and events occur.  All human events and productions have specific material/historical causes.  No abstract, timeless essences or principles, only concrete conditions.

6. The bourgeoisie

7. The proletariat

8. Warring factions accomplish little or no social change.

10. financial success = initiative and hard work competition = natural mode of being “I deserve whatever wealth I have the initiative to amass”

11. Classism

12. Patriotism

13. Religion

14. Rugged individualism

15. Consumerism

16. When we are being entertained, our guard is down, and we are especially vulnerable to ideological programming.

17. It’s in capitalism’s best interests to promote whatever personal insecurities will motivate us to buy consumer goods.

18. Constant need for new markets

19. Works Cited Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today: A User´s Friendly Guide. New York: Routledge, 2006. Print. “Pyramid of Capitalist System.” Labor Arts Home. Web. 18 November 2010. Works Consulted Malpas, Simon, and Paul Wake. The Routledge Companion to Critical Theory. New York: Routledge, 2006. Print.