Karl Marx – Historical Materialism & Class Struggle
UPSC PSIR | Western Political Thought | Marxism – Phase I
1️⃣ INTRODUCTION
Karl Marx (1818–1883) developed scientific socialism.
Major works:
- The Communist Manifesto
- Das Kapital
“Philosophers have only interpreted the world; the point is to change it.”
2️⃣ HISTORICAL MATERIALISM
History progresses through material conditions, not ideas.
- Economic base shapes society
- Ideas reflect material reality
Material forces drive social change.
3️⃣ BASE & SUPERSTRUCTURE
- Base → Means & relations of production
- Superstructure → Law, politics, religion, ideology
Base determines superstructure.
4️⃣ CLASS STRUGGLE
“History of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.”
- Bourgeoisie → Owners of capital
- Proletariat → Workers
Conflict between classes drives revolution.
5️⃣ THEORY OF ALIENATION
Under capitalism, workers are alienated from:
- Product
- Process of production
- Their own human potential
- Other workers
6️⃣ THEORY OF SURPLUS VALUE
Workers produce more value than they are paid.
Difference = Surplus value → Profit for capitalist.
7️⃣ STATE THEORY
State is instrument of class domination.
It protects interests of ruling class.
8️⃣ REVOLUTION & COMMUNISM
- Proletarian revolution
- Dictatorship of proletariat
- Classless, stateless society
📝 MAINS QUESTIONS
- Explain Marx’s theory of historical materialism.
- Discuss base-superstructure model.
- Critically evaluate Marx’s theory of state.
QUICK REVISION MAP
- Materialism
- Class struggle
- Alienation
- Surplus value
- Revolution
Marx = Economy drives politics
Shaktimatha Learning – Marxism Series
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