Marxism: What It Is and Comparison to Communism, Socialism, and Capitalism

Marxism is a political ideology as well as an economic theory that has left a profound impact all over the world. The theory of Marxism first originated during the late 19th century and was named after the German philosopher named Karl Marx.

Soon after its introduction, it became a dominant political ideology in the 20th century in many countries. According to this theory, there are two classes into which society is divided: the ruling class and the working class. The struggle between these two classes results in social and economic change. In this article, we are going to explore the key principles and beliefs of Marxism, the Comparison of Marxism to other political ideologies like Communism, Socialism, and Capitalism, and discuss the impact of Marxism on the world and the criticisms against the theory. We will also reflect on the future of Marxist thought and its continued relevance in today's society.

Key Beliefs and Principles

Class Struggle

One of the beliefs of Marxism is that society is divided into two classes, and these classes are the ruling class (bourgeoisie), and the working class (proletariat); the changes that occur in society and the economy are because of the struggle between these two classes.

Exploitation

According to the theory of Marxism, it is believed that the ruling class does the exploitation of the working class by appropriating the surplus value of the production made by the working class.

Capitalism as a Historical Stage

Marxism sees Capitalism as a historical stage in the development of human beings and considers it unstable and full of difficulties.

Transition to Socialism

Marxism advocates for a change from Capitalism to socialism, where the working class is the one who owns and controls the means of production.

The Dictatorship of the Proletariat

Marx believed that the change from Capitalism to socialism would require the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat, which means that the working class would be in the political power rather than the ruling class.

Historical Context and Development

Marxism originated in the mid of 19th century in the context of the rise of industrial Capitalism and the industrial revolution. Ideas of earlier philosophers such as Hegel, Feuerbach, and others were used by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels for the formulation of a comprehensive theory of Marxism (Marxist theory) and its development.

The outlines of the basic principles of the Marxist theory were published by Marx and Engels in 1848 in the publication named The Communist Manifesto. This manifesto served as a call to action for the working class. In the 20th century, the idea of Marxism started becoming a dominant political ideology in many countries and therefore leading to the establishment of socialist and communist regimes in such countries. But it should be noted that the collapse of the Soviet Union in the year 1991 was a turning point in the fate of Marxist ideology as since then, many parts of the world have witnessed a massive decline of Marxism.

Comparison with Communism

Communism and Marxism share many similarities, but they are not identical to each other, and there are some major differences between these two which cannot be ignored. It is important to understand the differences between them to appreciate these two ideologies and learn about their impacts on the world and the debates they continue to inspire.

Definition of Communism

Communism is a political and economic theory that supports the abolition of private property and advocates the idea of creating a classless society in which the community as whole control and owns the means of production. Communism aims to create a society in which each and every person has equal access to the resources and wealth of the community, and all the social and economic inequalities are diminished.

Similarities and Differences between Communism and Marxism

Similarities:

The basic similarity behind these two ideologies is the idea on which they are based. The basis of both ideas is materialism, and the common belief is that it is the economic and social conditions responsible for shaping individuals' experiences and consciousness. Both these ideologies also back the idea of overthrowing Capitalism and establishing a more just and equal society.

Differences:

Despite having many similarities between Marxism and Communism, depending on almost similar goals and ideas, they both contain some important differences, too, which need to be mentioned. For example, Marx believed that the transition from Capitalism to socialism required the establishment of a dictatorship of the working class (the proletariat), but at the same time, communist belief differed from this ideology, which suggested that a classless society can be established using a peaceful manner as well. Additionally, communism is seen to be associated with the soviet style of centralized planning practiced in the Soviet Union, but the emphasis of Marxist theory mainly lies on the role of the working class in bringing about social and economic change.

Comparison with Socialism

Socialism is a political ideology and shares many goals and ideas similar to Marxism. Although Socialism and Marxism are not identical, they have a number of similarities and have often been associated with each other.

Definition of Socialism

Socialism is a political and economic theory that advocates for equal distribution of wealth and means of production which is different from Capitalism, which is based on private ownership of the means of production. Socialism seeks to establish an equal distribution of wealth and resources through collective ownership and control of the means of production. Socialism aims to create a more equal and just society in which all individuals shall have access to the resources and wealth of the community.

Similarities and Differences between Socialism and Marxism

Similarities:

Both Socialism and Marxism aim to create a more just and equal society in which wealth and resources are distributed more equally. Also, both Socialism and Marxism also believe that the capitalist system which is running has some flaws and a massive transformation is required to bring about an equal society.

Differences:

Despite having many similarities between Socialism and Marxism, there are also some important differences between the two. For example, Marxist theory believes that the role of the working class is important to bring social and economic change, but at the same time, socialism focuses on the role of the state to achieve greater equality. Also, the basis of Marxist theory is the concept of materialism which holds that economic and social conditions shape individuals' experiences. In addition to this, socialism emphasizes the role of ethical and moral considerations in shaping economic and social policies.

Comparison with Capitalism

Capitalism is the economic and political system that is the most dominant in the world today, and it opposes the fundamental principles and beliefs of Marxism. While Capitalism and Marxism share a few similarities, there are some major differences that are used to compare these two ideologies.

Definition of Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic and political system that is based on the principles of private property, free market competition, and the pursuit of profit. Under a capitalist system, private individuals and businesses are the ones who control and own the means of production. Also, it is the market, and not the state, which determines the distribution of goods and services. Capitalism is set apart by chasing profit and collecting wealth by individuals and corporations, and it is often related to social and economic inequality.

Similarities and Differences between Capitalism and Marxism

Differences:

Capitalism and Marxism are basically in opposition to each other, and they share few similarities. Capitalism is based on the principles of private property, competition, and the pursuit of profit, while Marxism supports the collective ownership and control of the means of production and the removal of social and economic inequalities. Additionally, Capitalism is characterized by the collection of wealth by individuals and corporations, while Marxism looks to eliminate the exploitation of the working class and create an equal distribution of wealth and resources.

Similarities:

One similarity between Capitalism and Marxism is that both are rooted in the idea of human self-interest. In Capitalism, individuals and corporations act in their own self-interest in order to boost their profits, while in Marxist theory, the working class is seen as following its own self-interest in its struggle against the bourgeoisie.

Impact of Marxism

Marxism has intensely impacted the world, both historically and in the present day. From the Russian Revolution to the rise of communist states in the 20th century, Marxism has influenced political and social movements around the world and continues to shape debates about the role of the state in the economy and the distribution of wealth and resources.

Historical Events and Movements influenced by Marxism

• Russian Revolution: One of the most remarkable events influenced by Marxist ideas was the Russian Revolution of 1917. This revolution brought the Bolsheviks, a Marxist-Leninist political party, to power in Russia and marked the establishment of the first socialist state in the world.
• Communist States: Marxist ideas also played a role in the establishment of communist states in China, Cuba, and some other countries in the 20th century. These states were built on the principles of collective ownership of the means of production and the elimination of social and economic inequalities.
• Labour Movements: Marxism has also impacted some labor movements around the world that inspired workers to organize and fight for their rights and better working conditions. In many countries, Marxist ideas continue to play a role in shaping the goals and strategies of labor unions and worker-led movements.

Criticisms of Marxism

Like any political and economic ideology, Marxism has been subject to criticism over the years. Some of the most common criticisms and arguments against Marxist ideology are discussed below:

• Economic Inefficiency: Critics argue that the collective ownership and control of the means of production in Marxist theory could be the reason for economic inefficiency and reduced productivity in the future.
• Lack of Incentives: Critics argue that because of the absence of private property rights and the profit motive in the theory of Marxism would remove incentives for individuals required to work hard and innovate, which will lead to a lack of economic growth and progress.
• Totalitarianism:Critics also criticize the theory of Marxism because they believe that the concentration of power in the state in Marxist theory would lead to totalitarianism and the suppression of individual freedom and liberty.
• Historical Failures:Critics argue the historical failure of communist states is the result of Marxism. For example, the Soviet Union and China. They believe that it can be demonstrated that Marxist theory is unworkable in practice and leads to economic and political repression.
• Command Economy: Critics argue that the centralized control of the economy in Marxist theory would lead to a command economy in which the state, rather than the market, determines the distribution of goods and services. This, they argue, would lead to economic inefficiencies, shortages, and a lack of consumer choice.
• Lack of Democracy: Critics argue that Marxist theory supports the idea of the concentration of power in the state, which would weaken democratic institutions and lead to political repression.
• Class Struggle:Critics argue that the focus on class struggle in Marxist theory is overly simplified and fails to account for the complex motivations and interests of individuals and groups in society.
• Utopian Vision: Critics argue that the theory of Marxism represents a utopian vision that is almost impossible to achieve in practice, and if an attempt is made to implement the principles of Marxism, then it can lead to economic failure and political repression.

The Bottom Line

Historically and even today, Marxism has had a profound influence around the world. It has influenced many political and social movements around the world and has shaped debates about the role of the state in the economy and the distribution of wealth and resources.

However, Marxist ideology has also been subject to a variety of criticisms, including concerns about economic inefficiency, lack of incentives, totalitarianism, and the absence of democratic institutions. Despite these criticisms, Marxist ideas continue to inspire political movements and shape debates about the economy and society, demonstrating the enduring influence of Marxist ideology.

Marxism remains a complex and controversial ideology that continues to generate discussion and debate. Whether one views it as a flawed utopian vision or a necessary step towards an equal society, its impact on the world and its relevance to contemporary debates are undeniable.