session 14 marxism

There are many different political ideologies that are in effect in society.While pluralists and liberalists believe that societal structures are characterised by a high degree of individual liberty,the ideology which rang most true was marxism,the belief that  the wealth in society was concentrated in the hands of the ruling class or the bourgoise who were the owners of the means of production.The owners of the means of production maintain power over the economic structure and this power gives them the ability to influence the superstructure or the other institution sin society that socialise and propagate a national ideology amongst individuals.Marx rightfully believed that the superstructure such as the school system and political  system  transmit ideas that benefit the elite class and socialise workers into a false class consciousness.Eventually Marx believed that the working class would realize their exploitation and rise against the bourgeoisie.Although marx's ideas seem workable on paper real life events show that marx overestimated the probabilty of a revolution and a society based on equity.The failure of communists states such as the USSR provides an example.Secondly,many would argue that the working class is not falsely concious,it is aware of its exploitation by the ruling class.Neo marxists have also acknowledeged the role of ideology which is subtle and not overt.