9.3 Marx's historical materialism and critique of capitalism
5 min read•august 7, 2024
Marx's and critique of capitalism form the core of his revolutionary philosophy. He argues that economic structures shape society, with driving historical change. This theory challenges prevailing ideas about social progress and human nature.
Marx's analysis of capitalism exposes through extraction and of workers. He envisions a communist society without class divisions, achieved through and the as a transitional stage.
Materialist Conception of History
Historical and Dialectical Materialism
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- Historical materialism posits that the economic structure of society (the base) determines the political and ideological superstructure
- Focuses on the primacy of material conditions and economic relations in shaping human history and social development
- applies the Hegelian dialectic to material reality, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of contradictions and conflicts in driving historical change
- Sees history as a progressive process driven by the resolution of contradictions within each (primitive communism, slavery, feudalism, capitalism, socialism)
Modes of Production and Social Relations
- Mode of production refers to the specific combination of productive forces (technology, resources, labor) and relations of production (class relations, property ownership) that characterize a given society
- Each mode of production gives rise to distinct social, political, and ideological structures that reflect the interests of the dominant class
- Transitions between modes of production occur through revolutionary upheavals when the existing relations of production become fetters on the development of productive forces (e.g., transition from feudalism to capitalism)
Base and Superstructure Model
- The economic base (mode of production) forms the foundation of society and determines the character of the superstructure (political, legal, cultural institutions)
- Changes in the economic base lead to corresponding changes in the superstructure, though with some degree of relative autonomy
- The superstructure can also influence the base through ideological and political processes that legitimize or challenge existing economic relations (e.g., legal system protecting private property rights)
Class Conflict and Alienation
Class Struggle as the Motor of History
- Class struggle between exploiting and exploited classes is the driving force of historical change and social transformation
- In capitalist society, the fundamental conflict is between the (owners of the ) and the (wage laborers)
- The bourgeoisie extracts surplus value from the labor of the proletariat, leading to exploitation, inequality, and class antagonism
- The intensification of class struggle creates the conditions for revolutionary overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of a classless communist society
Alienation under Capitalism
- Alienation describes the estrangement of individuals from their human essence and creative potential under capitalist relations of production
- Workers are alienated from the product of their labor (owned by the capitalist), the process of production (controlled by the capitalist), their fellow human beings (competition and individualism), and their own species-being (reduced to mere instruments of production)
- Alienation is a systemic feature of capitalism that dehumanizes individuals and fragments social relationships, leading to a sense of powerlessness and disconnection
Proletariat as the Revolutionary Subject
- The proletariat, as the class directly exploited by capital and with "nothing to lose but their chains," has the potential to become a revolutionary force capable of overthrowing capitalism
- The shared experience of exploitation and alienation can foster class consciousness and solidarity among the proletariat, enabling collective action against the bourgeoisie
- The proletariat's historic mission is to abolish private property, socialize the means of production, and create a classless society free from exploitation and alienation (communist society)
Capitalist Exploitation
Surplus Value and Exploitation
- Surplus value is the difference between the value produced by the worker's labor and the wages paid by the capitalist
- Capitalists extract surplus value by paying workers less than the full value of their labor, enabling the accumulation of capital and profit
- The drive to maximize surplus value leads to the intensification of exploitation through longer working hours, lower wages, and increased productivity (relative surplus value)
- The appropriation of surplus value is the basis of and the source of class antagonism between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat
Commodity Fetishism and Reification
- refers to the way in which social relationships between people are transformed into apparently objective relationships between things (commodities) under capitalism
- The value of commodities appears as an inherent property rather than a result of the social labor embodied in them, obscuring the exploitative nature of capitalist production
- extends commodity fetishism to all aspects of social life, where human qualities, relationships, and activities are treated as things that can be bought and sold (e.g., education, healthcare, art)
- Commodity fetishism and reification contribute to the alienation of individuals by masking the social and historical character of human relations and presenting capitalism as a natural and inevitable system
Revolutionary Transition
Communist Society as the Goal
- The ultimate aim of Marxist theory and practice is the establishment of a communist society characterized by the abolition of private property, class distinctions, and exploitation
- In a communist society, the means of production are socially owned and controlled, enabling the free development of all individuals and the fulfillment of human needs
- Communist society is envisioned as a classless, stateless, and moneyless social formation where the principle "from each according to their ability, to each according to their needs" prevails
- The realization of communism requires a revolutionary transformation of capitalist society and a prolonged period of transition (socialism) to overcome the legacy of class division and create the material and social conditions for a fully communist society
Dictatorship of the Proletariat as a Transitional Stage
- The dictatorship of the proletariat refers to the revolutionary government established by the working class after the overthrow of the bourgeois state
- It is conceived as a transitional phase between capitalism and communism, during which the proletariat exercises political power to suppress counter-revolutionary forces and transform the economic and social structure of society
- The dictatorship of the proletariat nationalizes the means of production, centralizes economic planning, and gradually eliminates capitalist relations and privileges
- The state under the dictatorship of the proletariat is not a neutral arbiter but an instrument of class rule, wielded by the proletariat to advance its interests and pave the way for a stateless communist society
- The dictatorship of the proletariat is seen as a necessary stage to overcome the resistance of the bourgeoisie and prevent the restoration of capitalism, but it is ultimately intended to "wither away" as class distinctions and the need for coercive state power disappear in a fully developed communist society
Key Terms to Review (22)
Alienation: Alienation refers to a social and psychological condition where individuals feel disconnected or estranged from their work, the products of their labor, their fellow workers, and themselves. In the context of historical materialism and the critique of capitalism, alienation highlights how capitalist systems create a divide between workers and their labor, resulting in a lack of fulfillment and meaning in their lives. This disconnection not only affects individual well-being but also reflects broader systemic issues within capitalist societies.
Bourgeoisie: The bourgeoisie refers to the capitalist class that owns the means of production in a capitalist society, playing a crucial role in economic systems. This term is central to Marx's critique of capitalism, as it represents those who control wealth and resources, often at the expense of the working class, or proletariat. The bourgeoisie's interests are often seen as opposed to those of the proletariat, leading to class struggle that is fundamental in Marxist theory.
Capitalist exploitation: Capitalist exploitation refers to the process by which capitalists, who own the means of production, extract surplus value from laborers, who sell their labor power for wages. This exploitation occurs because workers receive less value in wages than the value they produce, allowing capitalists to accumulate wealth and maintain economic power. At its core, this concept reveals how the capitalist system prioritizes profit over equitable distribution of resources and fair labor practices.
Class conflict: Class conflict refers to the struggle between different classes in society, primarily between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat). This tension arises from differing interests, with the bourgeoisie seeking to maintain their wealth and power while the proletariat fights for better working conditions, wages, and rights. Understanding class conflict is crucial to grasping Marx's historical materialism and critique of capitalism, as it illustrates the inherent contradictions within capitalist societies.
Class struggle: Class struggle refers to the conflict between different classes in society, particularly between the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class). This concept is central to understanding Marx's view of history, where economic interests and material conditions shape social relations and political dynamics. The idea suggests that societal progress is driven by these conflicts, leading to revolutionary changes as one class seeks to overcome oppression by another.
Commodity fetishism: Commodity fetishism refers to the social and economic phenomenon where the social relationships and labor involved in the production of goods are obscured, leading to a focus on the commodities themselves as having intrinsic value. This concept highlights how capitalist societies treat commodities as objects of desire, detaching them from the human labor and relationships that created them, thus masking the exploitation inherent in capitalism.
Das kapital: 'Das Kapital' is a foundational text written by Karl Marx that critiques political economy and the capitalist system. In this work, Marx analyzes the ways in which capitalism functions, focusing on concepts like commodity production, labor value, and exploitation. The text is essential for understanding Marx's historical materialism, as it lays out the economic theories that underpin his critique of capitalism and its effects on society and class relations.
Dialectical materialism: Dialectical materialism is a philosophical approach that combines Hegelian dialectics with materialism, emphasizing the importance of real-world conditions and economic factors in shaping human society and thought. This perspective argues that material conditions, rather than ideas or ideals, are the primary drivers of historical development, leading to societal changes through contradictions and their resolutions. This framework is essential for understanding critiques of capitalism and the influence of German idealism on political theory.
Dictatorship of the proletariat: The dictatorship of the proletariat is a political concept developed by Karl Marx, referring to a state in which the working class (the proletariat) holds political power, aiming to dismantle capitalist structures and establish a classless society. This phase follows the overthrow of capitalism and is characterized by the suppression of the bourgeoisie, enabling the proletariat to organize and govern in their own interests while working towards the eventual establishment of communism.
European Class Structure: European class structure refers to the hierarchical organization of social classes in Europe, traditionally divided into three main groups: the nobility, the bourgeoisie (middle class), and the working class. This structure has significantly influenced political, economic, and social relationships throughout European history, particularly during the rise of industrialization and capitalism.
Exploitation: Exploitation refers to the systematic unfair treatment of individuals or groups, particularly in economic contexts, where one party takes advantage of another's labor or resources for their own benefit. In relation to historical materialism and critiques of capitalism, exploitation highlights how capitalist systems prioritize profit over the well-being of workers, leading to social and economic inequalities.
Friedrich Engels: Friedrich Engels was a German philosopher, social scientist, and political theorist best known for his collaboration with Karl Marx in developing the theory of historical materialism and critiquing capitalism. Engels played a crucial role in shaping Marxist thought, co-authoring 'The Communist Manifesto' and providing essential support for Marx's work, particularly through his own writings on class struggle and economic theory. His ideas helped lay the groundwork for modern socialism and communism, emphasizing the need for revolutionary change to address the inequalities inherent in capitalist societies.
Historical materialism: Historical materialism is a framework developed by Karl Marx that argues material conditions and economic factors are the primary influences on societal development and historical change. It connects the evolution of society to its modes of production, asserting that the economic base shapes the political and ideological superstructure. This approach critiques capitalism by highlighting how class struggles and economic inequalities drive historical transformations.
Industrial revolution: The industrial revolution was a period of major industrialization that took place from the late 18th century to the early 19th century, marked by the transition from hand production methods to machines, new chemical manufacturing processes, and the rise of factory systems. This transformation drastically changed economies, societies, and labor structures, leading to the rise of capitalism and new social classes.
Means of Production: Means of production refers to the physical and non-physical inputs used to produce goods and services, including land, labor, capital, and technology. In Marx's analysis, the means of production play a critical role in shaping society's economic structure and class relations, forming the basis for his historical materialism and critique of capitalism.
Mode of production: The mode of production refers to the way in which goods and services are produced in a society, including the means of production (tools, factories, land) and the social relations that govern production (the relationships between those who own the means of production and those who labor). It is a crucial concept in understanding historical materialism, which examines how material conditions shape societal structures and dynamics, particularly in Marx's critique of capitalism.
Proletarian revolution: A proletarian revolution is a socio-political movement in which the working class, or proletariat, rises up against the ruling capitalist class to overthrow the existing economic and social order. This revolution is seen as a necessary step toward establishing a classless society, as envisioned by Karl Marx, and is deeply rooted in historical materialism and critiques of capitalism.
Proletariat: The proletariat refers to the working class, particularly those who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive. In Marx's view, the proletariat is essential to the functioning of capitalism, as they are the ones who produce goods and services but do not reap the full benefits of their labor, which leads to class struggle against the bourgeoisie, or capital-owning class.
Reification: Reification is the process of treating abstract concepts, ideas, or social relationships as if they are concrete, tangible objects. This can lead to the perception of social constructs, such as capitalism or class structures, as natural and unchangeable realities, obscuring their historical and social origins. In Marx's critique, reification is crucial as it highlights how capitalism transforms human relationships into things, undermining individual agency and promoting alienation.
Surplus value: Surplus value refers to the difference between the value produced by labor and the actual wage paid to workers, representing the profit that capitalists extract from labor. This concept is central to Marx's critique of capitalism, highlighting how labor generates wealth while workers remain undercompensated, leading to the exploitation of the working class.
The Communist Manifesto: The Communist Manifesto is a political pamphlet written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848 that outlines the principles of communism and critiques capitalist society. It argues that all of history is a history of class struggles and calls for the working class to unite against the bourgeoisie, who exploit them for profit. The manifesto emphasizes historical materialism as a way to understand societal change, focusing on how material conditions influence social structures and relationships.
Vladimir Lenin: Vladimir Lenin was a Russian revolutionary leader and the founder of the Soviet state, who played a pivotal role in the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. He adapted Marxist theory to fit the conditions of Russia, emphasizing the need for a vanguard party to lead the proletariat in overthrowing capitalism and establishing socialism. Lenin's interpretation of Marx's ideas significantly influenced the development of Marxist-Leninist ideology and shaped the future of communist movements worldwide.