Social Class Evolution and 19th Century Political Ideologies

The Emergence of Class Society

The French Revolution ended legal inequality and introduced the constitutional equality of all citizens before the law. Class society brings together citizens according to their economic level. This structure includes the dominant moneyed classes, the middle classes, and the working classes.

The Dominant Classes

The dominant classes consist of the nobility and the high bourgeoisie. These two groups defend the established model of society against the danger posed by the revolutionary working class.

The Middle Classes

The middle classes are formed by small traders, artisans, and officials.

The Working Class

The working class includes all peasants and industrial workers, also known as the proletariat.

Early Labor Protest Movements

The harsh living conditions of workers favored the development of various protest movements:

• Luddism: A protest group characterized by the destruction of factory machines.
• Chartism: A movement that reclaimed the rights of citizens through universal suffrage and representation in parliament.

Utopian Experiments: The Phalansteries

The Phalansteries, devised by the Frenchman Fourier, were large communal buildings where workers lived and divided tasks according to their capabilities; however, these experiments ultimately failed.

Political Ideologies: Socialism and Marxism

Socialism began with utopian ideas based on the work of Fourier. Later, Marxist socialism proposed a "scientific" approach to achieving a socialist society.

Key Concepts of Marxist Socialism

• The Class Struggle: This reflects the conflict between the oppressors (owners) and the oppressed (workers).
• Surplus Value: The bourgeoisie acquires most of the wealth while the worker receives only a minimum wage.
• The Workers' Revolution and the Dictatorship of the Proletariat: The proletariat must win control of the state through unions and workers' parties to establish a socialist society where all workers are equal.
• Socialism: The state, acting on behalf of the workers, is responsible for the equal division of labor and wealth.

Anarchism and the Rejection of the State

Bakunin agreed with the Marxist analysis of inequality among individuals but disagreed on the role of the state. He felt the state was the principal obstacle to achieving individual freedom.

Core Principles of Anarchism

• Anarchists view the church, the army, and the traditional school as enemies of the worker.
• They advocate for direct action and reject political parties.
• The strike is considered the only way to end the state and establish a communist society.
• Political action is accomplished through popular assemblies.