Baixe Teoria Social Marxista e outras Notas de estudo em PDF para Sociologia, somente na Docsity! Marxist social theory The Marxist social theory is fundamental in the field of sociology. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels created it, and it has its roots in the writings of Hegel and Feuerbach. This theory is based on the idea that social classes are a fundamental aspect of society and that the relations between these classes are the primary determinants of social structures and historical development. Historical Materialism The Marxist social theory is based on the principle of historical materialism. According to this theory, historical change is driven by material conditions. This means that changes in the social relations of production and the means of production are the driving force behind historical change. Marx believed that the development of capitalism would ultimately lead to the creation of a socialist society. Historical materialism is an essential aspect of Marxist social theory because it emphasizes the role of economic structures in shaping social relations. Marx argued that society’s financial system determines the political and ideological superstructure. This means that the economic structures of society are more important than cultural, political, or religious factors in shaping the social relations of an organization. Class Struggle The Marxist social theory also emphasizes the importance of class struggle. According to this theory, social classes are defined by their relationship to the means of production. The bourgeoisie, or the owners of the means of production, conflict with the proletariat or the working class. This conflict is known as class struggle. Marx believed the proletariat would eventually overthrow the bourgeoisie and establish a socialist society. Class struggle is essential in Marxist social theory because it highlights the conflict between the ruling and working classes. Marx argued that the ruling class uses its control over the means of production to exploit the working class. This exploitation creates a surplus value, which is used to enrich the ruling class. On the other hand, the working class is forced to sell its labor power to survive. Marxist social theory Alienation Another essential principle of the Marxist social theory is the concept of alienation. According to this theory, workers in capitalist societies are alienated from their work. This means that workers do not have control over the products of their labor, and they do not have a sense of ownership over their work. Marx believed this alienation resulted from the capitalist system and could only be overcome by establishing a socialist society. Alienation plays an essential role in Marxist social theory because it highlights the adverse effects of capitalism on the individual. Marx argued that the capitalist system dehumanizes individuals by reducing them to mere cogs in the production machine. In a capitalist society, individuals are treated as means to an end rather than as ends in themselves. This leads to a loss of creativity, autonomy, and self-fulfillment. Economic Determinism In addition to historical materialism, class struggle, and alienation, the Marxist social theory also emphasizes the importance of economic determinism. Marx believed that society’s financial system determines the political and ideological superstructure. According to this principle, society’s monetary system is terminant of social relations and historical development. Economic determinism is an essential concept in Marxist social theory because it emphasizes the role of economic structures in shaping social relations and historical development. Marx argued that the capitalist system is inherently unstable and prone to crises, such as economic recessions and depressions. He believed that the only way to overcome these crises was to establish a socialist society. Critique of Capitalism Furthermore, the Marxist social theory critiques capitalism as an exploitative system that perpetuates inequality and alienation. Capitalism prioritizes profit over human needs, leading to the exploitation of workers and the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a small elite. Marx argued that the capitalist system is inherently unstable and prone to crises, such as economic recessions and depressions.
