Base and Superstructure Defining Marxist Terms

Base and superstructure are two linked theoretical concepts developed by Karl Marx, one of sociologys founders. Base refers to the production forces, or the materials and resources, that generate the goods society needs. Superstructure describes all other aspects of society. Thomas Lohnes / Getty Images The Link Between Superstructure and Base Societys superstructure includes the culture, ideology, norms, and identities that people inhabit. In addition, it refers to the social institutions, political structure, and the state—or societys governing apparatus. Marx argued that the superstructure grows out of the base and reflects the ruling class interests. As such, the superstructure justifies how the base operates and defends the power of the elite. Neither the base nor the superstructure is naturally occurring or static. They are both social creations, or the accumulation of constantly evolving social interactions between people. In The German Ideology, written with Friedrich Engels, Marx offered a critique of Hegel’s theory about how society operates. Based on the principles of Idealism, Hegel asserted that ideology determines social life, that peoples thoughts shape the world around them. Considering the historical shifts production has undergone, especially the shift from feudalist to capitalist production, Hegel’s theory did not satisfy Marx. Understanding History Through Materialism Karl Marx believed that the shift to a capitalist mode of production had sweeping implications for the social structure. He asserted that it reconfigured the superstructure in drastic ways and instead posed a â€Å"materialist† way of understanding history. Known as â€Å"historical materialism,† this idea posits that what we produce in order to live determines all else in society. Building on this concept, Marx posed a new way of thinking about the relationship between thought and lived reality. Importantly, Marx argued that this is not a neutral relationship, as a great deal depends on the way the superstructure emerges from the base. The place where norms, values, beliefs, and ideology reside, the superstructure legitimizes the base. It creates the conditions in which the relations of production seem fair and natural, though they may actually be unjust and designed to benefit the ruling class only. Marx argued that religious ideology that urges people to obey authority and work hard for salvation is one way the superstructure justifies the base, as it generates an acceptance of one’s conditions as they are. After Marx, philosopher Antonio Gramsci elaborated on the role education plays in training people to obediently serve in their designated roles in the workforce. As Marx did, Gramsci wrote about how the state, or political apparatus, functions to protect the elites interests. For example, the federal government has bailed out private banks that have collapsed. Early Writing In his early writing, Marx committed himself to the principles of historical materialism and the causal relationship between base and superstructure. However, as his theory grew more complex, Marx reframed the relationship between base and superstructure as dialectical, meaning that each influences the other. Hence, if the base changes so does the superstructure; the reverse occurs as well. Marx expected the working class to eventually revolt because he thought that once they realized how exploited they were for the benefit of the ruling class, they would decide to change matters. This would lead to a significant change in the base. How goods are produced and under what conditions would shift.

Compare And Contrast Tom Robinley And To Kill A Mockingbird

Do you think its right to kill something that only brings joy and no harm to society? A mockingbird is an example of a harmless creature that only creates beautiful music for others to enjoy. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, a few characters symbolize mockingbirds in a metaphorical way. Many literal mockingbirds arent present in Harper Lees work, but characters with comparable characteristics are such as Tom Robinson and Arthur Radley. Harper Lee uses the comparison of human beings to mockingbirds as a way of developing the theme of a great story. Arthur Radley, neighbor of Jem and Scout Finch, not only exemplifies, but also lives up to the expectations of a literal mockingbird. Throughout the whole course of the†¦show more content†¦Ultimately, in the novel, Boo Radley does no harm to anybody or anything in society and only tries to help others, not hurt them. Tom Robinson was known and seen as an ideal citizen who cared more about others than Artino 2 himself and went to extreme measures to show that. So, when he was accused of a repugnant thing, it shouldve been a shock, but it wasn’t, simply because he was a negro. All he ever wanted to do was help others and be kind, but since he was the color he was, if he was seen as being helpful, others would see it as him taking advantage. In the novel, Tom Robinson was accused of raping Mayella Ewell and Judge Taylor of Maycomb called upon Atticus Finch to defend him on this felony accusation. Although the trial lasted only a day, the same question was reoccurring; how did Tom beat up the left side of Mayellas face when his left arm was crippled? Around town, all negroes were known as bad, but not all were known as hard workers, I just want the whole lot of you to know one thing right now. That boys worked for me for eight years an I aint had a speck o trouble outa him. Not a speck.(Lee 195) Not only was Tom Robinson respected by his boss, Link Deas, who was white, but he

Deliberative Dialogue Reflection free essay sample

Reflection At first, I was a little scared taking this class since I have a stage fright and dont have much experience talking in public. After my first speeches I started to get used to it. So in a way this class helped me overcome my fear of talking in public and I have become a little less nervous about it. This class helped me to start noticing the way I talk, move and sound during my presentations. This knowledge helped me improve myself for my later speeches. So when the turn for an Pop Deed speech came I was surprisingly prepared for it and could use all my knowledge and experience in this lass. This class also showed me a way how to find relative sources for the content of my speech. Advocacy speech is a little different from all the speeches I have given so far. There is a lot of research that needs to be done. We will write a custom essay sample on Deliberative Dialogue Reflection or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page And also we need to create a controversial map for the speech which is definitely a new experience for me and I think it will be a little challenging for me too. I believe I am prepared for it and can overcome this challenge and give my speech with much confidence. Since I am College of Business student in future I will have to present a lot in my other classes s well as in my future career.With knowledge and experience I gained in this class I will be prepared for my future Job. There is always room for improvement and looking back right now at the presentations I have done, I wish now I would have been even more prepared for them. As I talked before my future career Is connected with public speaking and deliberative dialogue is one of the most used forms of speech, especially in my field. This semester I became more familiar with It and I am sure I will apply this knowledge and experience In the future.