2. Scientific socialism
Marxism was a 19th century theory of
revolutionary communism that characterised itself
as scientific socialism
Scientific socialism – a label for Marxist theory
which claims to be rationalist, objective, verifiable
and predictive
3. Class conflict
Predicted the inevitable overthrow of the capitalist
ruling class by the proletariat working class due to
the inevitable economic conflicts and
contradictions within the capitalist system
Bourgeoisie – owns the means of production
Proletariat – owns only its labour power
Class conflict – a clash of irreconcilable interests
between the above 2 groups culminating in real
class struggle
4. Private property
Meaning from a Marxist perspective – individual
ownership of the means of production for profit
5. Exploitation
This concept central to the theory of inevitable
class conflict
Extraction of surplus value by the bourgeoisie
from the proletariat in the process of production
(source of profit)
Alienation
7. Ideology
Used the term in a critical and negative way to
mean a partial and distorting class perspective –
a set of ideas and values that reflect and protect
ruling class interests
‘ The ruling ideas of any age are the ideas of the
ruling class’ – Marx
Marxism is not an ideology but a true and total
scientific picture of reality