1. Marxism
Basic points Neo-Marxist
Structural theory – institutions shaping people. Humanistic (Gramsci) and Scientific(Althusser)
Economy as base of society – other institutions reflect this.
Society is based on conflict – tension between dominant/subordinate Gramsci
classes. Hegemony/counter hegemony
Society is unstable – potential for revolution. Ideas are key to social change/consciousness
Ideology and control. Ruling class control via coercion/consent(hegemony)
Key ideas Hegemony and revolution (R/C minority, proletariat have dual
consciousness)/organic intellectuals/economic crisis
Karl Marx
Historical materialism – human labour/production/social relations of Althusser
production/infrastructure and superstructure/dichotomy/exploitation Human choice is limited/focus on structure
Epochs – primitive communism/slavery/feudalism/capitalism Society is complex (economic level/political level/ideological level) –
Capitalism – bourgeoisie/proletariat, selling labour power, surplus value, degree of freedom in political/ideological = relative autonomy
profit, exploitation, class polarisation Ideological/repressive state apparatus
Class consciousness – hindered by institutions transmitted ideology, Critique of humanism = creativity/choice are illusions/man =puppet
legitimises social order/authority
False consciousness – distorted view of reality/prevent resistance to
capitalists/’opiates’
Alienation- lose control/powerless, deskilled/divided, unfulfilled
State – supports dominant class (together = ruling class)
Revolution will overthrow capitalism eventually
Strengths Strengths
Influential approach – developed critical sociologies, ie) Feminism Challenges economic determinism of classic Marxism
Structural approach – importance of economy on rest of society Recognise different forms of inequality
Highlights conflict in society – social change/tensions Developed alongside social action/labelling theory in 1970s
Weaknesses
Overemphasises conflict/conspiracy theory Weaknesses
Too deterministic (economic) Overemphasises role of ideas over state/structure (Gramsci)
One dimensional view of inequality
Two class model is too simplistic