Socialism Marxism And Anarchism Questions Medium
The concept of class struggle in Marxism refers to the ongoing conflict and tension between different social classes within a capitalist society. According to Marxism, society is divided into two primary classes: the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class who own and control the means of production) and the proletariat (the working class who sell their labor to the bourgeoisie).
Marx argued that the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat by extracting surplus value from their labor, paying them wages that are lower than the value they produce. This exploitation creates a fundamental conflict of interest between the two classes, as the bourgeoisie seek to maximize profits while the proletariat strive for better working conditions, higher wages, and improved living standards.
Class struggle is seen as an inherent and inevitable feature of capitalism, driven by the contradictions and inequalities inherent in the capitalist mode of production. Marx believed that the class struggle would intensify over time, leading to a revolutionary overthrow of the bourgeoisie by the proletariat. This revolution would establish a socialist society, where the means of production are collectively owned and controlled by the working class, eliminating the exploitation and class divisions of capitalism.
In summary, the concept of class struggle in Marxism highlights the antagonistic relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, resulting from the exploitation and inequality inherent in capitalist societies. It serves as a driving force for social change and revolution, aiming to ultimately establish a classless society.