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Marxism is a socio-economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society through the collective ownership of the means of production. It emphasizes the role of class struggle in historical development and envisions a society where resources are distributed based on need rather than profit.
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Ideology is a system of ideas and ideals that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy, shaping how individuals and groups perceive and interact with the world. It influences social norms, governance, and cultural identity, often serving as a lens through which people interpret their experiences and justify their actions.
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Class consciousness is the awareness of one's own social class and its interests, often in relation to the broader social and economic structures. It plays a crucial role in mobilizing collective action and fostering solidarity among members of the same class, particularly in the context of class struggle and social change.
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Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in a society based on factors like wealth, power, and status, which leads to unequal access to resources and opportunities. It influences social mobility and perpetuates systemic inequalities, affecting individuals' life chances and societal cohesion.
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Hegemony refers to the dominance or leadership of one state or group over others, often exercised through cultural, economic, or political means rather than direct military force. It involves the subtle shaping of norms and values to maintain control, making the dominant power's interests appear universal and beneficial to all.
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Alienation is a multifaceted phenomenon often characterized by feelings of estrangement and disconnection from oneself, others, or society at large. It can arise in various contexts, including personal relationships, work environments, and cultural settings, and is frequently explored in philosophical, sociological, and psychological discourses.
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Cultural hegemony, a concept developed by Antonio Gramsci, refers to the dominance of a culturally diverse society by the ruling class, who manipulate the culture of that society—the beliefs, explanations, perceptions, and values—so that their imposed worldview becomes the accepted cultural norm. This domination is achieved not through force, but by the consensual acceptance of the subordinate classes, who internalize the values and norms of the ruling class as their own, thus maintaining the status quo.
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Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the creation of goods or services for profit. It relies on market competition to allocate resources efficiently and incentivizes innovation and economic growth through the pursuit of profit.
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The proletariat is a term used in Marxist theory to describe the class of workers who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive. This class is central to the theory of class struggle, as they are seen as the force capable of overthrowing the capitalist system and establishing a classless society.
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The bourgeoisie is a social class characterized by ownership of capital and means of production, playing a central role in capitalist societies as the dominant economic class. Historically, they emerged as a powerful force during the Industrial Revolution, shaping economic, political, and cultural landscapes through their influence and wealth accumulation.
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Ideological hegemony refers to the dominance of a particular set of ideas, values, and beliefs that shape societal norms and perceptions, often benefiting the ruling class by making their worldview appear natural and inevitable. This concept, developed by Antonio Gramsci, highlights how cultural institutions perpetuate power structures by subtly influencing the collective consciousness and maintaining the status quo.
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Dominant ideology refers to the set of beliefs, values, and practices that are widely accepted and promoted by the ruling class or dominant social group, shaping societal norms and perceptions in a way that maintains their power. It often operates subtly, influencing culture, politics, and economics, and can perpetuate existing social hierarchies and inequalities.
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System Justification Theory posits that people have a psychological motivation to defend and justify the status quo, even at the expense of personal or group interests, which can lead to the internalization of inequality and resistance to social change. This theory explains why disadvantaged groups may support systems that are against their own interests, as it provides a sense of stability and order.
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Ideology critique is a critical theoretical approach that seeks to uncover and challenge the underlying power structures and assumptions within dominant ideologies, revealing how they perpetuate social inequalities and maintain the status quo. It is often associated with Marxist theory and aims to empower individuals by exposing the ways in which ideology shapes perceptions and experiences in society.
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