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Gender Studies: Marxism

The study of and the medicalization of sex and sexuality.

Putting it simply, Marxism is a collection of economic, political, philosophical, and social theories developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. These theories are used to analyze the ways that societies, capitalist in particular, evolve over time. Marxism emphasizes the exploitation and ownership of the labor of the working class by the bourgeoisie, and instead advocates for social change to create a classless and more just society, through the revolution of the working class. 

Core Ideas of Marxism

Historical Materialism:

  • Historical materialism is the idea that human history is driven by the mode of production and struggles between the different social classes, its driven by material conditions, and the production forces (technology, machinery, resources) and the relations of production . 

Class Struggle:

  • Marxism states that society is divided into two main social classes, the bourgeoisie (Elite class) and the proletariat (working class). According to Marxism, Capitalism inherently creates exploitation and inequality, socially and economically. The ruling class will exploit the working class. 

Surplus Value:

  • Surplus value explains that the capitalist system allows for the exploitation of the working class because of the elite class paying less than the value that the labor actually produces. 

 

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