Class conflict

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Class conflict refers to the tension or antagonism which exists in society due to competing socioeconomic interests and desires between people of different social classes. It is a central concept in the theory of Karl Marx and is a key element in the study of sociology and political science.

Historical Background

Class conflict has been a feature of all societies with a division of labor and a hierarchical structure. In feudalism, the conflict was between the nobility and the serfs. In capitalism, the primary conflict is between the bourgeoisie (the owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (the working class).

Marxist Theory

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels argued that class conflict is the driving force of historical development. According to Marxist theory, the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles. Marx believed that the capitalist system would inevitably lead to class conflict, which would result in the overthrow of the bourgeoisie by the proletariat and the establishment of a communist society.

Modern Perspectives

In contemporary society, class conflict can be observed in various forms, such as labor strikes, protests, and political movements. The labor movement and the rise of trade unions are examples of organized efforts by the working class to challenge the power of the bourgeoisie.

Key Concepts

• Bourgeoisie: The class that owns the means of production in a capitalist society.
• Proletariat: The working class who sell their labor for wages.
• Means of production: The facilities and resources for producing goods.
• Surplus value: The value produced by labor over and above the cost of labor, which is appropriated by the bourgeoisie.
• Class consciousness: The awareness of one's own social class and its interests.

Related Pages

• Karl Marx
• Friedrich Engels
• Communism
• Socialism
• Feudalism
• Capitalism
• Labor movement
• Trade union
• Surplus value
• Class consciousness

See Also

• Social class
• Economic inequality
• Political economy
• Revolution
• Historical materialism

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