Describe the main points of Karl Marx's theory of class conflict

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

German economist and philosopher Karl Marx stressed that history is a

continuous clash between conflicting ideas and forces. He believed that

conflict—especially class conflict—is necessary in order to produce

social change and a better society. Class conflict is the struggle between

the capitalist class and the working class. The capitalist class, or

bourgeoisie, comprises those who own and control the means of

production—the tools, land, factories, and money for investment that form

the economic basis of a society. The working class, or proletariat, is

composed of those who must sell their labor because they have no other

means to earn a livelihood. The capitalist class controls and exploits the

masses of struggling workers by paying less than the value of their labor.

This exploitation results in worker's alienation—a feeling of

powerlessness and estrangement from other people and from

themselves. Marx predicted that the working class would become aware

of its exploitation, overthrow the capitalists, and establish a free and

classless society.