Introduction of Karl Marx
Karl Marx (1818–1883) was a German thinker who studied society, economy, and politics.
He believed that capitalism (a system where businesses are privately owned) creates
unfairness between the rich and the poor. Marx wanted to create a society where everyone
shares resources equally, without rich and poor classes.
He wrote important books like:
1. “The Communist Manifesto” (1848) – A short book explaining how workers should unite
and fight for their rights.
2. “Das Kapital” (1867) – A detailed book about how capitalism works and why Marx
thought it was unfair.
“A Nineteenth-Century Life” by Jonathan Sperber –
This book explores Karl Marx’s life and ideas within the historical context of his time. The
author shows that Marx was not just a revolutionary thinker but also an ordinary person who
faced personal struggles and ideological challenges. The book provides a detailed look at
Marx’s political activities, writings, and the development of his theories.
Marx Influences from Other Thinkers
● Hegel: Marx was influenced by Hegel’s idea that history changes over time, but Marx
focused on material things instead of ideas.
● Friedrich Engels: Marx’s close friend and partner.he helped develop and spread
Marxist ideas. He shared The Condition of the Working Class in England
Karl Marx’s Contribution to Sociology (Based on His Books in "The
Communist Manifesto"
● Explains class struggle and how economic systems shape society.
● Introduces the concept of the proletariat (workers) and bourgeoisie (capitalists).
Theory of Class Struggle
Define by Book “The Communist Manifesto”
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels explained that throughout history, society has always been
divided into different classes, and these classes are in conflict with each other. This conflict
is called class struggle.
Main Idea:
● Society is divided into two main groups:
1. Bourgeoisie (Rich Business Owners) –Capitalists : They own businesses and factories
and make money from workers.
2. Proletariat (Workers) – They work for wages but do not own anything significant.
● The bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat by making them work hard but paying them
low wages.
● Alienation: Workers feel disconnected from the work they do because they don’t
own what they produce.
● Profit and Inequality: Marx said capitalists make money by paying workers less
than the value of their work, which increases inequality
● Revolution and Communism: Marx predicted that workers would rise up, end
capitalism, and create a fair society where resources are shared equally.
● This idea became the foundation of socialism and communism.
In conclusion, class struggle is not just a historical phenomenon but an ongoing process
that shapes economies and societies. Marx believed that only by eliminating class divisions
can true social justice be achieved.
Criticism of Marxism
● Capitalism Changed: Some say capitalism has improved through labor laws and
better worker rights, making Marx’s ideas outdated. (The Road to Serfdom - Friedrich
Hayek, 1944)
● Communist States Failed: Attempts to create Marxist societies (like in the China)
often led to strict governments and economic problems. (The Origins of
Totalitarianism - Hannah Arendt, 1951)
● Other Economic Ideas: Keynesian economics suggests that governments can
make capitalism fairer without a worker revolution. (The General Theory of
Employment, Interest, and Money - John Maynard Keynes, 1936)
● Modern Critics: Some thinkers, like Michel Foucault, argue that power is not just
about money but also about culture and ideas, which Marx did not fully consider.
(Discipline and Punish - Michel Foucault, 1975)
