Introducing Marxism: A Theory of Social Change

by Tom Bramble

Genres: Politics, Theory, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Nyakim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this book as part of a discussion group, while most of the authors arguments are somewhat true they lack depth. The author highlights different ways power is concentrated in Australian society but it almost all boils down to "these social relations are all because of capitalism"; when in reality things are more complex than that. How do you talk about "Women Oppression" without talking about patriarchy? Without looking at how patriarchy developed and evolved, long before capitalism? Without mentioning important historical moments like the Harvester Judgement that contributed to segmenting the relationship between sexism and capitalism? I can see that this book was meant to be accessible but you can be both accessible but explore things in a deeper way, for example looking in detail at the different elements of oppression. Although the author could argue the different ways capitalism is oppressive they didn't seem to use any contemporary theories, furthermore it read like a speech rather then a book. Another issue I had with this book is its fetishisation of the working class, it didn't take a holistic view of the working class and their agency as a group.

[Alice Nilsson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just read Marx frankly drodies..... do not waste time with dis jawn

[Meagan Walls · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely racist, refers to Aboriginal folks as "the blacks" multiple times and disrespects Country by reffering to it as wastelands. Identity erasure by claiming all of the working class are equally "oppressed". Really weird views on women's sexual expression too. For the tinder pile. Read Marx instead.

[Matt Laidlaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Bramble manages to put so many concepts of Marxist Theory into such a small book, in such a clear way. It's a MUST read for anyone on the left either dabbling or very seriously thinking about Marxism. It has chapters that break down some of the main things socialists will have to tackle, like Imperialism, sexism and class oppression.

It is unabashedly on the side of the working class and the oppressed, and this book is a tool for budding working class revolutionaries to arm themselves with the theoretical background to begin engaging in politics and activism a lot more seriously! Great read, gave me clarity to the thoughts I had so long in my mind.

[Charlie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

mandatory reading for all Aussie progressives who want a coherent material analysis and solution to the blight of capitalism.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This opened my eyes to a lot of things I was ignorant about. The Australian focus felt good too; too often am I engaging with political content that is Only about America, which is, quite honestly, irrelevant to me. The phrase "From each according to their ability, to each according to their need," stuck in my head, and really highlighted what was missing from capitalist society. Also, the fact that workers aren't being paid the value of what they produce for their bosses, and thus are being exploited, blew my little baby mind. Unionise, ladies! This book also addresses how capitalism doesn't just breed greed, it is also the root of other kinds of structural oppression like sexism, racism, and ageism, which makes a lot of sense when you consider that the more isolated we are, the easier it is for the 1% to exploit the working class and make sure we are fighting each other and not them.

Definitely the most contentious train reading I've ever had, but some of the most eye-opening, too.

[Iceielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very detailed, very thought stimulating, easy to read, personal language. However, it is, as it says, unabashedly biased. You can hear the anger trembling through the words, and the capitalists are all the bad, evil people. But then, it is a far left book, and who am I to interfere with politics.
It's a good book if you want to get into the mind of a Marxist. Look elsewhere if you want an unbiased account.

[Ella Pia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book to read for people learning about marxism for the first time.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good introduction to communist thought. I liked the Australian focus, and I liked how it assumed nothing from the reader. It wasn't incredibly persuasive, but it's a good foundation for understanding some of the concepts people talk about. Very detailed citations and suggestions for further reading.

[Ben Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

there were sections that felt somewhat anfractuous and periphrastic, and procured a concomitant tedium. but that could also be more short attention span. But overall this was a really good introduction to the marxist ideas and actions that underpin the socialist alternatives.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes very good points on the failings of modern capitalism and it's effects on our world. Doesn't self-reflect much on the issues with Marxism/socialism. Some of the final tenants of the socialist alternative party don't quite make sense and don't align with socialism.

[Tom J · Rating 4 out of 5]

without the groups to run alongside this it does run a little dry, but it’s a good intro to the socialist viewpoint with some specifically australian examples

[Holly Zakkas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE DADDY KARL MARX

[QueerNightOwl · Rating 1 out of 5]

A literal butchering of ' The Communist Manifesto'. They use the whole 'but we added the Australian context' to legitimise their reductive, and manipulative, class reductionist bullshit perspective to educate people on Marxisms and force people in the Socialist Alternative cult to buy it. Ironically the cults more capitalism than socialist, amongst many other inherent and incompatible flaws. Just save your time, money and mental energy by reading the original text.

[Amity Eagleton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this 2.5, seemed to me like a very biased opinion. I enjoyed reading about the concepts and ideas presented, but it was very one sided.