Aisling’s Reviews > Why Marx Was Right > Status Update

Marx was way ahead of his time on the environment. He recognises the impact of material production on natural resources, and that says that without socialism will come barbarism and apocalypse in terms of environmental destruction. We need a more reciprocal relationship with the natural world.

Marx did not focus enough on women however his work gave rise to a political movement that supported female emancipation.

Marx believes in democracy, he doesn’t believe that the current parliamentary set up is democratic enough. To be truly democratic and for our political institutions to be separate from capitalist regulation, we need self-government at a much more local level. That is how society will stem from the state and the state will no longer be a parasite on society.

Revolution isn’t about violence. Social reform isn’t perceived to be about violence yet it still results in it (civil rights movement). Revolution for Marx is about making institutions public and abolishing market relations. It’s a process that takes time and leaves no remnants if successful. Pacifism is immoral (given exceptions), and capitalism has resulted in violent crimes (Hiroshima, Great Irish Famine).

Death of the working class- such an oversimplified view of class. The working class is defined not just by productive forces but also job insecurity, poor wages, and economic oppression where they have no power to leave or get a different job. The working class encompasses lower level white collar workers (service industry) and those with strict management disciplines. Also so many people live and work in slums.

*Capitalism

Marxism exploits ANYONE. All classes.

Marx’s work is about moving the kingdom of necessity to the realm of freedom. Becoming less like badgers and more like ourselves.

Marx did not argue economic determinism. He recognised economic factors as a significant causal factor in much of human history, as material production is critical to human civilisation. But he also recognised social, cultural, political factors. He believed the best things are done not out of necessity but out of fulfilment. He wants to free up labour for more leisure. Capitalism relies on labour for leisure.