Marxist Theory: Historical Materialism and Class Struggle

Marx's Political Philosophy: Historical Materialism

Karl Marx considered his historical materialism a practical method of social and historical analysis, serving as a foundation for political strategy. For Marx, history is the development of human life, shaped by real people under specific conditions. Thus, the primary subject of history is society itself.

Marx posited that historical development results from the tension between opposing forces, specifically between different classes. He famously declared that the motor of history is class struggle.

The Division of Labor and Class Conflict

A pivotal concept for Marx is the division of labor. Its emergence led to the creation of surplus and, consequently, a struggle for its control. The far-reaching consequences of this division of labor resulted in the formation of distinct classes, thereby initiating this fundamental conflict.

Marx believed that once people overcome the consequences of this situation and truly understand the intricacies of labor history, the divisions among men will cease. This understanding, he argued, would lead to unity and liberation.

Economic Structure and Superstructure

The explanation for societal development lies in the historical processes that shape human relationships, leading to the formation of specific production systems. These relations of production constitute the economic structure of society. This economic base, in turn, gives rise to legal and political superstructures.

Marx viewed this superstructure as a historical product, subject to change depending on the prevailing conditions. However, these superstructures are often managed by those in power, who propagate ideas that serve their own benefit. For example, Marx argued that religion serves the interests of the bourgeoisie by acting as a check against social change.

Social Revolutions and Capitalist Contradictions

As social changes unfold, the forces of production inevitably come into contradiction with the existing relations of production, leading to the eruption of social revolutions. A prime historical example is the transition from the feudal system to the capitalist system.

In the nineteenth century, the epoch of capitalist expansionism, Marx argued, necessarily resulted in a production system (consumerism) that produced all the contradictions arising from the division of labor. Marx deliberately used the term "necessarily" to distinguish his theory from other economic theorists, such as the Physiocrats and utopian socialists. He emphasized that even if the upper class appears to win, the ultimate outcome depends on the courage and initiative of the people.

Just as the freedom of man consists in understanding that he is subject to certain laws, ignorance of these laws will only turn man into a greater slave.

Points of Decay in the Capitalist System

Marx sought to identify the inherent points of decay within the capitalist system and the conditions for its eventual replacement. He highlighted several key contradictions:

• The Tendency of the Rate of Profit to Fall: As social labor becomes more productive, the capitalist profit margin is inherently threatened.
• Growing Proletarianization: An increasing number of workers possess nothing but their labor power, which they are compelled to exchange for a wage.
• Crises of Overproduction: The system periodically faces crises where the destruction of products becomes necessary to maintain the profitability of remaining production.