Karl Marx

Presented by :
Veshraj Katwal
 Marxism

• Developed by Karl Marx

in the 19th century
• Marx and Engels wrote
the famous
“Communist Manifesto”
in 1846
• Marx developed the
political system known
as Communism
 Marxism

• When considering
Marxist theory it is
useful to remember the
3 Cs;
• Class
• Conflict
• Capitalism
• These provide a
“baseline” to Marxist
theory
 Class, conflict and capitalism

• The differences between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat demonstrate

a wide class division.
• According to Marx, the interests of the bourgeoisie or ruling class were
protected and promoted.
• The ensuing social inequalities caused conflict in society.
• Capitalism also causes conflict of interest between the classes.
• The need for the bourgeoisie to make profits is in conflict with the need of
the proletariat to earn enough money to have decent living standards.
• Profits certainly came first during the Industrial Revolution.
• The bourgeoisie became extremely wealthy while the proletariat worked
long hours for little pay and lived in squalor.

11-4
 Is Marxism still relevant?

• Marx was describing a society

150 years ago but modern
Marxists believe his ideas to be
broadly true
• Social classes are not as sharply
divided now but harsh
inequalities remain
• Modern Marxists believe that the
education system is one of the
main agents of control, depriving
working class children of
opportunities to improve their
situation