Communism and Socialism

Marx believed that society progressed through changes in the ways we produce material goods.

His perspective is called “Historical Materialism”

He also believed in “Class Struggle” where different social classes of people are in constant opposition.

Karl Marx

Marx had a very specific way that he viewed history. Here are the stages:

1. Hunters and Gatherers2. Ancient Society3. Feudalism4. Capitalism5. Socialism6. Communism

Progression of History

Early in the history of man, we hunted and gathered food as we needed.

Period is determined by the material collection and distribution of goods.

Hunters and Gatherers

As groups of people began to settle, surplus was made possible and with this, a distinction between those who had and those who had not.

Ruling class, slave owners, and slaves.

Ancient Society

People began to own large amounts of land with peasants or serfs working under them, farming their land.

Here we also see a distinction between those who control the means of production and those who work it.

Land owners and serfs.

Feudalism

As cities and towns began to industrialize, people were forced to work in factories instead of farming to support themselves.

This created a further class division: the Capitalist Class and the Working Class.

Capitalism

Bourgeoisie: the social class which owns the means of production in a Capitalist Society.

Proletariat: wage labourers in a Capitalist Society.

Marx believed that these two classes were constantly struggling against one another.

Proletariat sell their labour to the Bourgeoisie in order to make money.

Capitalism cont…

Eventually, according to Marx, the Proletariat will become conscious of their exploitation and band together in revolution against the Bourgeoisie.

“Dictatorship of the Proletariat” The working class will overthrow the Bourgeoisie

and existing government, seizing control for themselves.

This band of workers will form a new government in which the economy is entirely regulated by the State.

Socialism

This is the last and most ideal form of government to Marx.

Eventually, the Socialist state relinquishes its power, dissolving itself as those in power fade into the working ranks.

Communism

Defined as a centrally planned government in which the government controls all means of production

Was intended to remedy the economic and moral defects of capitalism.

Socialism defined

Defined as a social, political, and economic movement that aims for an establishment of a classless and stateless society.

Abolishes the possession of private property and the use of wage labour.

Communism defined

What sort of society would be most likely to accept Communism?

Do you think Communism would actually work? Why or why not?

Reflection Questions