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Basic Marxism : A short study guide to Marxism
Basic marxismSession 1: Social Inequality and Class Struggle
Subject matter: Classes emerge at a distinct point in the evolution of human society on a particular economic foundation. The social inequality which leads to the formation of social classes is accompanied by social struggle and the division of society is maintained or overthrown by struggle between social classes. The modern capitalist class plays a unique role in economic development. Class division plays a decisive role in human progress. A classless society cannot be created at will at any time but requires a certain economic basis. Essential reading: Ernest Mandel - From Class Society to Communism. Ch. 1 and 2 pp 35-46. Supplementary reading: Marx and Engels - Manifesto of the Communist Party. Questions for discussion: 1. Why is a permanent division of labour or the appearance of social classes impossible in primitive economic conditions? 2. How is the division of labour made possible and what is the connection between the division of labour and the formation of social classes? 3. Why does the division of society into social classes constitute a necessary stage in human progress? 4. Under what conditions is it possible to re-establish equality in society? 5. What happens if these conditions do not exist and attempts are made to re-establish equality? 6. Why does the capitalist system lead to an enormous increase in economic production in such a short time compared to societies dominated by previous ruling classes? Further reading: Frederick Engels- Anti-Duehring. Parts 2 and 3.
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