Marxism

    OCR
    GCSE

    Marxism functions as a structural conflict theory positing that the economic infrastructure (capitalism) determines the social superstructure (institutions like family, education, religion). Candidates must analyze the dynamic of class struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (wage labourers), focusing on mechanisms of exploitation, alienation, and ideological control. Mastery requires distinguishing between Classical Marxism and Neo-Marxist adaptations (Gramsci, Althusser) regarding the relative autonomy of the superstructure and the transition from false class consciousness to revolutionary class consciousness.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for precise definition of the 'means of production' and the binary class structure (Bourgeoisie/Proletariat).
    • Credit responses that explicitly link 'false class consciousness' to the maintenance of capitalism.
    • Candidates must apply Marxist theory to specific institutions (e.g., Zaretsky on Family, Bowles and Gintis on Education).
    • High-level responses must evaluate Marxism against Functionalist (consensus) or Feminist (patriarchal) perspectives.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise definition of the 'means of production' and the binary class structure (Bourgeoisie/Proletariat).
    • Credit responses that explicitly link 'false class consciousness' to the maintenance of capitalism.
    • Candidates must apply Marxist theory to specific institutions (e.g., Zaretsky on Family, Bowles and Gintis on Education).
    • High-level responses must evaluate Marxism against Functionalist (consensus) or Feminist (patriarchal) perspectives.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 12 and 24-mark questions, always juxtapose Marxism with Functionalism to demonstrate AO3 evaluation.
    • 💡Use the 'PEEL' structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) to ensure chains of reasoning are developed.
    • 💡When analyzing sources, explicitly state how the data supports or refutes the Marxist view of class stratification.
    • 💡Memorize specific studies (e.g., Willis, Bonger) to provide the necessary evidence for AO1 marks.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing Marxist 'class conflict' with general social disagreement or Weberian 'status'.
    • Failing to distinguish between the 'infrastructure' (economic base) and 'superstructure' (institutions).
    • Describing inequality generally without using specific Marxist terminology like 'exploitation' or 'alienation'.

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

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    Discuss
    Evaluate
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