Lecture Notes on Karl Marx and Conflict Theory

Introduction

• Karl Marx is often associated with political movements but is also a philosopher and scholar.
• Focus on the question: "What does it mean to be free?"
• Developed conflict theory in sociology, emphasizing power, inequality, and societal change.

Marx vs. Durkheim

• Emile Durkheim focused on social solidarity (how society hangs together).
• Marx focused on freedom and labor.

Human Constraints and Labor

• Humans are naturally constrained by physical needs.
• Survival requires labor, which is cooperative and transforms the natural world.
• Initial freedom from natural constraints leads to new social constraints.

Historical Development of Labor

• Primitive Communism: Natural constraints, social equality.
• Feudalism: Social inequality with a nobility not needing to labor.
• Capitalism: Social constraints lead to inequality in labor benefits.

Historical Materialism

• Developed with Friedrich Engels.
• Focuses on change over time and material reality (production organization and resource control).
• Economy forms the foundation (base), and politics, culture, religion form the superstructure.

Modes of Production

• Modes of production defined by forces and relations of production:
  • Forces of Production: Technical, scientific, material components (tools, technology, human labor).
  • Relations of Production: Organization of labor, property ownership, trade.

Capitalism and Class Divisions

• Two main classes: Proletariat (workers) and Bourgeoisie (capitalists).
• Proletariat lack control over means of production and sell labor for wages.
• Capitalists own means of production and control resources.

Exploitation in Capitalism

• Workers are paid less than the value of what they produce, generating profit (surplus).
• Capitalists aim to maximize surplus by reducing wages and increasing productivity.

Crises in Capitalism

• Crises of Overproduction: More goods than needed, but majority can't afford them.
• Contradiction between forces and relations of production leads to economic crises.

Historical Development and Class Conflict

• History viewed as a series of class struggles.
• Proletariat vs. bourgeoisie, with proletariat desiring revolution for change.
• Revolution leads to new relations benefiting workers.

Influence of Marx's Ideas

• Antonio Gramsci and the theory of Hegemony:
  • Ruling class maintains power through dominant cultural ideas.
  • Hegemony blinds society to economic exploitation.
• Conflict Theory: Analyzes power dynamics and societal change.
  • Includes Race-Conflict Theory, Gender-Conflict Theory, Intersectional Theory.

Conclusion

• Marx's work on historical materialism and class struggle shaped sociological theories.
• Marx's theories continue to influence understanding of societal power and freedom.