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The means of production refers to the physical, non-human inputs used for the production of economic value, such as factories, machines, and raw materials. Control over these means is central to the distribution of power and wealth in a society, influencing class structures and economic systems.
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Relations of production refer to the social and economic relationships that people enter into as they produce and reproduce their means of life. These relationships are foundational to the structure of a society and influence the distribution of power and resources within it.
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The mode of production is a fundamental concept in Marxist theory that refers to the way in which a society organizes the production of goods and services, encompassing both the means of production and the relations of production. It is crucial for understanding the economic structure of a society and the class relations that arise from it, ultimately influencing the social and political dynamics within that society.
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Labor power refers to the capacity of individuals to work and produce goods and services, which is a fundamental concept in Marxist economics distinguishing between the potential to work and the actual work performed. It is a commodity that workers sell to employers in exchange for wages, and its value is determined by the cost of subsistence and reproduction of the laborer.
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Productive forces refer to the combination of the means of production and human labor power that drive economic production and technological advancement. They are central to understanding the dynamics of economic systems and the development of societies within Marxist theory.
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Capital accumulation refers to the process of gathering and increasing amounts of capital assets, such as money, machinery, and resources, to generate wealth and drive economic growth. It is a fundamental mechanism in capitalist economies, influencing productivity, income distribution, and overall economic development.
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Technological development refers to the process of research, design, and innovation leading to the creation and improvement of tools, machines, and systems that enhance human capabilities and solve problems. It is a dynamic and iterative process that drives economic growth, shapes societies, and influences cultural evolution through the continuous advancement of knowledge and skills.
The economic base and superstructure is a Marxist framework that explains how the economic foundation of society (the base) shapes and influences the cultural, political, and ideological aspects (the superstructure). The base consists of the means of production and relations of production, while the superstructure includes institutions like the state, culture, and ideology, which in turn can reinforce the base.
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Historical materialism is a methodological approach to understanding societal development and historical change, emphasizing the role of material conditions and economic factors as the foundation for social structures and ideologies. It was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who argued that the mode of production in material life determines the general character of the social, political, and intellectual processes of life.
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Class struggle is a central concept in Marxist theory, referring to the conflict of interests between different social classes, primarily the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, as a driving force of historical development and social change. It emphasizes the inherent power dynamics and economic inequalities that lead to societal tensions and revolutionary transformations.
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