Marxism - GCSE Sociology Definition

Marxism is a social, political, and economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that analyses the impact of capitalism on society and argues for a classless system where the means of production are communally owned.

In GCSE Sociology, students learn that Marxism focuses on the conflicts between different social classes, particularly the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) who own the means of production and the proletariat (working class) who sell their labour. Marxists believe that this class struggle leads to social inequality and that a revolution is necessary to overthrow capitalism and achieve a fair distribution of resources.

The theory critiques how capitalist societies maintain power structures that benefit the wealthy, often through institutions like education and media, which can perpetuate the status quo.