Let us briefly discuss key terms which are very essential to know before studying Marxism.
The Marxist Perspective: It is a social, political and economic philosophy propounded by the world famous German philosopher, political thinker and sociological Karl Marx. Marxist perspective examines the effect of capitalism on labor, productivity and economic development. It argues that worker’s revolution would eventually overturn capitalism in the favor of communism. Marxist perspective describes that the struggle between social class.
Forces of production: It is the key concept of Marxist analysis. It expresses the degree to which human beings control nature. The forces of production are how material goods are produced. Marx had incorporated four aspects under the force of production. They are: raw materials, the means of production (tools and machines used to produce raw materials), labor force (human capacity for work), the technical relation of production (social division of labor and coordination).
Capital: The physical resources used to produce goods or financial services or the accumulated resources or capabilities required for the production process. The capital includes equipment, factories and all man made materials and products.
Capitalism: An economic system of production and distribution that is governed by the process of economic competition and the manifest desire for profit at the private level, especially for the most of the economic life.
Conflict: A specific state of competition for the use of force and violence to fulfill limited objectives and interests. Competition is the position to adopt a peaceful process to gain control whereas in the process of conflict, the excitement of the competitors becomes more than competing object or task that focuses on the rivals themselves.
Socialism: A social philosophy and political ideology that emphasizes the principle of state ownership and its operation by the state in the physical means of production and distribution. Rational social planning is used to achieve the desired goals. The concept of socialism has emerged in the first half of the 19th century as opposed to individualism.
Revolution: An important and rare event to overturn the overall social and political structure or historical events. Revolution does not always imply about the political revolution. It can occur in any area of social life. For example: industrial revolution, scientific revolution etc. Revolution is often viewed as violent change but it can last long time in a slow pace and even can be non-violent.
Alienation: It is a socio psychological state in which a person feels isolated from himself and from those around him and even aspects of his existence. This concept of separation entered into the sociology through the sociological theories of Karl Marx.
Bourgeoisie: People who own the means of production in capitalist society. They are also known as ruling class in context of capitalist society who rules over proletariat.
Social change: The change in the social structure of any society or the network of social relationship or the social organization. The process of change or refinement over time in different aspects of society.
