Historical Materialism - Essay Example

Marxist Theory

Karl Max presented to the world his thoughts on economic problems affecting the world. The ideas have come to be referred to as a Marxist theory. Karl Max came up with a materialistic interpretation of economies, and how employees struggle for social change in a society where capitalists exploit the underprivileged.  Marxist theory is based on materialistic thinking that has since overtaken society. The provision of material needs is the main objective of most capitalist societies; they do not care about the welfare of other workers (Trainer, 2010).

Historical Materialism

Marxists defined historical materialism as the means by which countries such as the United States achieved their wealth. The developed world acquired its wealth through the use of cheap production materials. In addition, labor costs were cheap. No efforts were made to cater to the needs of employees, and forced labor and hard work by the slaves led to economic materialism and wealth enjoyed by most Western states (Trainer, 2010).

Determinism

The capitalist determines the fate of the proletariat. Laws have been instituted to ensure that the proletariat works effectively in meeting the demands of the capitalist. Wages, working hours, and working conditions are determined by capitalists.

Substructure

According to Marxists, society is divided into primitive, slave, feudal, and capitalist. In addition, there are the proletariat and bourgeoisie (capitalists). It is the capitalists who own and decide the destiny of other “sub-structure” of the society. The production resources are manipulated and controlled by the capitalists. The proletariat exists to work and acquire wealth for the capitalists.

Superstructure mode of production

Dominant ideas from the elite (bourgeoisie) were used in achieving material wealth. Importantly, elements within the society such as education, law, and morality were determined by the economic situation of a given state

Means of production

Means of production include slave labor, technology, and machines. The means of production are used to produce goods and services for the capitalists. Without means of production, capitalists and modern states cannot achieve their economic objectives. Slavery was particularly used in the United States to acquire wealth and industrial development.

Relations of production

Relations of production are defined as the social organization of production. In particular, it refers to individuals who own the productive forces and how they manipulate them to achieve their objectives. For example, the capitalists forced slaves to work for them. In the current society, human beings are forced to work for a certain number of days as recommended by those who own forces of production.

On feudalism, Karl Max stated that the aristocrats are the individuals in power. The aristocrats, mostly merchants, eventually become capitalists. They exploit economic means and relations of production for their own benefit. The capitalist society has capitalists as the ruling class. The capitalists determine the employment conditions for the proletariat (common man) (Trainer, 2010).

Max thought that capitalism would fall through revolution. Capitalism would fall because of several internal difficulties. The proletariat would become divided thus leading to revolutions or lack of a united force at the workplace. Social change can only result from revolutions. Revolutions are the best means of changing and making society a better place for all human beings.

Private property

Private property is used for the common welfare of individuals. Private property also offers satisfaction to its owners. Apart from providing economic benefits to individuals, private property is also used for the benefit of the whole society. Taxes are levied on private property in capitalist economies.