Marxism from "summary" of Literary Criticism by William Kurtz Wimsatt,Cleanth Brooks
Marxism is an economic and political theory that centers around the idea of class struggle. It is based on the writings of Karl Marx, who argued that the capitalist system exploits the working class. It is a system of social and economic organization in which private ownership of the means of production is replaced by collective ownership.- Marxism is an influential and widely accepted theoretical approach to understanding issues of modern politics, economics, and social thought. It emphasizes principles of class struggle and the collective ownership of public resources in pursuit of greater social equity and justice.
- At its core, Marxism puts forward the idea that power and wealth should be shared among society, instead of concentrated into the hands of a few powerful individuals. This conviction manifests in the call for “collective ownership” of land and labor, leading to policies such as progressive taxation, universal health care, unemployment benefits, workplace democracy, and much more.
- As far as Marxist theory is concerned, it does not make any distinction between social or economic classes but rather asserts that everyone is an equal party in achieving their own liberation and participating in political action to effect change. Its aim is to promote mutual cooperation instead of competition among different segments of the population.
- Originating with the 19th century German philosopher Karl Marx, today this ideology has come to represent a wide range of meanings and interpretations; from its roots as a revolutionary economic system to its current reimagined form as both a radical and practical way to address economic, political, and social injustice.
- Finally, Marxism advocates creating structures for solidarity and common purpose while attempting to dismantle hierarchies based on race, class, gender, and other identities. By doing so, it seeks to create a society in which all those involved are regarded and respected as equals, regardless of social standing or privilege.
