Means of Production and Class Consciousness

Means of Production

• Definition: Facilities and resources for producing goods.
• Examples: Factories and farms.
• Ownership: Typically owned by wealthy individuals.
• Workers: Large workforce that offers labor.
  • Do not own means of production.
  • Generally receive a salary.

Class Divide

• Upper/Middle Class: Likely owners of means of production.
• Lower Class: Working class; provides labor.
• Hierarchy: Upper, middle, lower classes.

Marxist Theory

• Proponent: Karl Marx and his advocates (Marxists).
• Core Idea: Workers are exploited and oppressed under capitalism.
  • Owners control means of production.
  • Owners receive most benefits and rewards.

Class Consciousness

• Concept: Workers realize their exploitation and oppression.
• Solidarity: Workers unite against owners.
• Goal: Seize means of production and redistribute.
• Outcome: Workers take ownership of factories and farms.

False Consciousness

• Concept: Workers do not see their exploitation.
• Manipulation: Owners control societal narratives.
  • Promote hope that workers can become owners.
  • Spread information to prevent worker unity.

Modern Context

• Theories based on historic models (farms, factories) which may not apply to modern developed countries.