Marx's Historical Materialism: Foundations of Social Change

Historical Materialism: Marx's Core Theory

Karl Marx's historical materialism posits the denial of the autonomy of ideas concerning the conditions of human existence, emphasizing the dialectical and historical character of the material base. Friedrich Engels, in fact, considered Marx's historical materialism (along with the theory of surplus value) among his most significant scientific findings. It is, fundamentally, a sociological theory rather than a purely philosophical one.

Key Tenets of Historical Materialism

1. The Economic Structure: The economic structure forms the real basis of society.
2. Production Relations: This structure consists of the relations of production, which are the relationships established between individuals according to their situation in relation to the forces of production. These are legally expressed through property relations. Within a capitalist system, for instance, the bourgeoisie owns the means of production, while the worker possesses only their labor power (relations that differ significantly in systems of slavery or servitude).
3. Productive Forces: The productive forces are comprised of labor and the means of production. These forces operate within the framework established by the relations of production.
4. Superstructure and Ideology: The economic structure determines or influences a superstructure, which consists of forms of consciousness or ideological forms. These are essentially the set of representations (ideas, myths, symbols) and values prevalent in society at a particular time. The dominant ideology at any given moment corresponds to the ideology of the ruling class, thereby justifying the existing economic structure.
5. Conflict and Social Revolution: Conflict arises when the normal development of the productive forces is hindered, as they are no longer compatible with the existing relations of production. This incompatibility signals the stage of social revolution, which will transform the ideological superstructure. Marx postulated that the development of the capitalist production system inevitably leads to the transcendence of bourgeois society and private property.
6. Historical Progress: Unlike Hegel's view that reason drives history, Marx argued that history is driven primarily (though not exclusively) by the forces of production, particularly human labor. In short, humanity is the main actor in history, which can only advance through contradictions and struggles. In this struggle, forms of consciousness, especially class consciousness, play a significant role.