Which particular form of inequality are Marxists interested in? Give two examples of how this inequality might be seen in our society.
Social and economic equality. Economic equality can be seen in our society by the different salaries that individuals are on, for example politicians earning £80k+ a year whilst others are earning minimal wage. Another example is how footballers are earning more than our emergency services when the emergency services are saving people's life on a day to day basis, sometimes risking their own in the meantime and keeping our community a safe place to be.
How does Marxist thought divide society? Think of the two terms they use and give a defintiion of each of these terms.
They see society as seperated into classes, predominantly those who own the means of production (the bourgeoisie) and those who need to sell their labour (the proletariat)
Give an example of how Marxist thought sees people as being exploited.
Marxists thinks that the selling of goods for profit (capitalism) leads to the exploitation of those who produce the goods.
In what way does Marxist thought suggest that we are suffering from false consciousness? Try to give two examples.
Individuals are persuaded by the media to go out and buy the latest products, for example to swap their working iphone 5s for the new released iphone 6, as the adverts on television make individuals feel that their phone is not good enough and that it is important to have the newest model in order to be accepted. In addition to this, when individuals have low self esteem or are upset, they believe going out and purchasing products will make them happier, however in reality it may make them happier in the short term but in the long term it will just affect their bank balance.
What benefits might a market liberal (capitalist) system bring to them population? Try to give three, with examples.
The right to own property, the right to buy and sell goods at a price set by the market, the right to sell your labour to the highest bidder and the right to own the means of production.
How are false needs reinforced, according to Marxist thought? (Think of particular agents of socialisation) Give two ways, with examples.
From agents of socialisation as the media and peer groups. We become trapped in a society where we feel we must have the latest cultural product, whether we actually need it or not.
Illustrate Bauman's ideas about "the perpetual non-satisfaction" of consumers.
Explain why we might pay more for a product than we think it is actually worth (think of use and exchange value)
Individuals may decide to pay for a product than it is worth because it is a trend and they want to follow the trends in order to fit in with others who have the product.
What do critics of late capitalism such as Paul Moore and Bill Gates suggest is needed to make capitalism more acceptable?
What does a market liberalist thought suggest when it criticises Marxism as promoting "a utopian ideal"? (Think of what Milt Friedman said about angels)
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