Karl Marx’s Views on Today’s Society - 1675 Words

In the market place of today there are high skilled workers and low skilled workers. The high skilled workers have control of the market due to their credentials as the owners did in the past, since the market has moved from the owners operating the businesses. The low skilled workers fall into the same class, as they were under Marx’s theory as workers however their equivalent is to that of a serf or a peasant. It seems that Marx would be disgusted with what the market place had become today. Marx believed that in order to get things done legislatively, make sure that the laws are followed and that the low skilled workers still have a job, the high skilled workers had to take control. This control allows the market to function rather†¦show more content†¦This would not only effect the market having to pay their debt but would have devastating effects on the markets that aid was given or promised. Currently the young pay for benefits to be provided to the disabled and the elderly when they hit the age of retirement. This benefits the disabled and elderly, but leaves the younger generation with concerns that these same benefits will not be around when they would need them in the future. This concept also plays a part in a way with the amount of taxes that are paid in by workers. It seems that the high skilled workers out of paying more in taxes since they are able to find more deductions, whereas the low skilled workers would not have those same deductions to use therefore have to pay more in. According to Marx’s â€Å"Labor theory of value† the common low skilled worker in the market of today is being underpaid and the high-skilled workers who run the market are pocketing the difference. This compounded with the added burden of high taxes and paying for the benefits of the elderly and disabled is an unstable basis for a market. Marx believed that all low-skilled workers needed is enough money to survive, in the market today the common man wants much more than just to survive. The feeling of entitlement within the workforce goes against many of Marx’s beliefs about the market. As more and more of the population become educated the amount of low-skill worked decreases, this in turnShow MoreRelatedMarxs Claim on Religion: Explanation, Analysis, and Problem1088 Words   |  4 PagesMarxs Claim on Religion: In the past few years, Karl Marx has been increasingly incorporated in general sociology though his ideas are briefly mentioned or totally ignored in certain specialties in the sociological field. One of the major sociological specialties where Marxs ideas have been briefly mentioned is the sociology of religion. The sociology of religion only consists of few references to Marxs concepts and views though he accorded much significance to religion. Regardless of the minimalRead MoreKarl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim offered differing perspectives on the role of religion. Choose the theorist whose insights you prefer and theorists views over the others.991 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim offered differing perspectives on the role of religion. Choose the theorist whose insights you prefer and outline how they perceived religion operating socially. Discuss why you chose your preferred theorists views over the others. Marx, Durkheim and Weber each had different sociological views of the role and function of Religion. 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His father hoped Karl wouldRead MoreCurrent Policies And Politics : What Should Be An Individual s Connection With Society?887 Words   |  4 Pageswhat should be an individual’s connection with society? This very question has been the focus of great philosophers throughout the centuries. From Socrates to Khaldun to Marx, great political philosophers have examined the function of ethical theory in the social realm and its impact upon the relationships between members of society (Moseley, n.d.). Regardless of whether they are in the camp of liberalism like John Locke or the socialist camp of Karl Marx, great political philosophers have areasRead MoreEssay on The Goal of Functionalism in Religion1748 Words   |  7 PagesThe goal of functionalism, with regards to religion, is to analyze religion and explain its purpose by showing what role it plays for humans within society. Sigmund Freud, Emile Durkheim, and Karl Marx were all functionalist who developed theorie s as to why religion was such a major part of their society. Their views are very different from the two theorists E.B. Tylor and James Frazer, as they believed humans were using religion to try and explain the unknowns in the world. Though all three of theRead MoreKarl Marx s Theory Of Human Exploitation And Alienation Under Capitalism Essay1550 Words   |  7 PagesThat being said, some, such as Karl Marx, find the capitalist system dehumanizing and see a dire need for its abolition. In this paper, I will present an argument against Karl Marx’s theory of human exploitation and alienation under capitalism. I will begin by discussing Marx’s basic beliefs on human nature. I will then use this foundation to present Marx’s argument against capitalism and how he believes it leads to human alienation. Lastly, I will refute Marx’s argument against capitalism and

Rituals in Anthropology - 1617 Words

Amberlee Deauseault Anthropology 104 TA: Adriana People all over the world have different rituals. A ritual is a repetitive act that symbolizes events that have taken place in the past. Many times it can be religious, but it can also be a ceremony having to do with social customs. Rituals are repeated yearly or every couple years, it is not a ritual if it is only done once and never again. A pilgrimage physically takes someone from one place to another, whereas a ritual could be performed in one spot depending on what it is. The first part of a pilgrimage is separation; in the article â€Å"Run for the Wall† the riders leave their homes to embark on their trip across the country. The second part is the liminal stage where riders†¦show more content†¦All of these rituals have different meanings to different people. For example, the Mikva, all women do this before they can be available to their husbands. It is a ritual washing that is supposed to purify the women. To many women this is just somet hing they have to do, they were brought up to have a monthly Mikva washing. However, Dr. Myerhoff went to the Mikva in hopes that it would purify her and help her with her cancer. Also, she had gone just for the experience as an anthropologist but, it was mainly to better herself. Another ritual that was presented in the film was getting a Ghet. A Ghet is a religious divorce. Dr. Myerhoff was divorced from her husband legally but, when talking with the rabbi he explained to her that she is still married to his soul. Going through the Ghet released their souls from one another. To Dr. Myerhoff this ritual had a great affect because she was now free to love again. She had not been with another man since her divorce and once her soul was free she could do so. Another thing that Dr. Myerhoff did was change her name to a Hebrew name. By getting the Ghet and changing her name she now had a new identity in hopes that it would clear or at least help her cancer. To many people, cha nging their names just meant that they were changing ones destiny. However, Dr. Myerhoff was essentially changing her fate. These rituals are practiced byShow MoreRelatedNacirema - Body Ritual in Anthropology757 Words   |  4 PagesAnthropology Paper - Module 1 In 1956 a professor from the University of Michigan, Horace Miner, wrote an article in The American Anthropologist that has become a mainstay of learning for anthropology students. Miner published the article to show a fictional exotic society called â€Å"Body Ritual among the Nacirema† as an example of how one’s own limited perspective might affect the perception of a foreign culture (Miner, 1956, p. 503). 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Boaz became convinced that the task of an anthropologist wasn t simplyRead MoreSimilarities And Differences Between The Human Mind And Science, History, And Literature1486 Words   |  6 Pages Variations in Symbolic Anthropology After centuries of continuous and unresolved (though not fruitless) debate by many great theorists on how the scientific method should be applied to anthropology, a method was formulated that promised to finally put the debate to rest: just don’t apply them at all. Symbolic Anthropologists advocated the use of â€Å"a variety of tools from psychology, history, and literature† to conduct their anthropology (McGee and Warms 2004:525). The work of Sapir and WhorfRead MoreReligious Institutions And Personal Devotions985 Words   |  4 Pagesgreater struggle than I was able to detect. This struggle is that between the individual person, the community, and the institution. 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Humanitys Journey in Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath Essay

Humanitys Journey in Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath As a major literary figure since the 1930s, Steinbeck displays in his writing a characteristic respect for the poor and oppressed. In many of his novels, his characters show signs of a quiet dignity and courage for which Steinbeck has a great admiration. For instance, in The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck describes the unrelenting struggle of the people who depend on the soil for their livelihood. One element helping give this novel an added touch of harmony is Steinbeck’s ability to bind these two ideas into one story: the never ending struggle to survive and primacy of the family. The journey of the Joads serves as a suitable vehicle for the delivery of Steinbecks message and†¦show more content†¦The never say die efforts of Uncle John to stop the rising flood water is one example of Steinbecks unremitting struggle theme (Steinbeck 567). The constant effort of the entire Joad family to find work, although poor, oppressed, and hungry, shows that Steinbeck wants to show their tremendous courage and dignity. In this way, Steinbeck is able to use the journey structure to describe these fine qualities he sees and respects in the poverty-stricken masses of his time. If one reads more deeply into The Grapes of Wrath, the reader may find that the journey of the Joads mirrors the journeys of other Okies and other forced migrations in history. The journey of the Joads has its ups and downs. Migrants are not always received with open arms; they are commonly persecuted and looked upon as subhuman. For them the promised land becomes the land of despair and suffering. While exposing the ordeal of their poverty, Steinbeck also seeks to affirm the sanctity of life and the unifying, clarifying forces inherent in human suffering (Wilson 529). In many ways, the journey of the Africans to America as slaves is similar to the dust bowl migrations. Both are forced from the land that they love by seemingly non-human forces. They were taken to the land of riches where they were poor. The slaves were however taken by force but the Okies were seduced by the lure of work andShow MoreRelatedThe Grapes of Wrath - Journey of the Joads and Humanity Essay777 Words   |  4 Pages The Journey of the Joads and the Journey of Humanity nbsp; In Steinbecks novel, The Grapes of Wrath, he describes the struggle of the small farmer and farmworker. The principal characters define quiet dignity and courage in their struggle to survive and in the caring for their loved ones. Through this novel, Steinbeck displays his respect for all the poor and oppressed of our world. nbsp; The journey of the Joads represents Steinbecks message of respect for the poor and oppressed onRead MoreThe Grapes of Wrath Synthesis Essay891 Words   |  4 Pagestowards each other. It has happened so much so, that some have argued human nature is intrinsically violent and aggressive. This can be seen in chapter 25 of The Grapes of Wrath: the mindless destruction of resources ultimately amounts to nothing productive. In his novel, Steinbeck expresses harsh criticism and disapproval toward humanity’s self-destructive and violent nature. Man’s cruelty to his fellow man, a major theme in the book, is very clearly addressed in chapter 25: â€Å"And men with hosesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Grapes Of Wrath 1436 Words   |  6 PagesTyler Jordan Ms. Mittleman Honors American Lit. September 14, 2014 â€Å"Humanity’s Wrathful Curtain† In his historical fiction, Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck characterizes the Joad family as one of the many migrating farming families subjected to prejudice and seclusion on their journey to California. Similarly, in T.C. Boyle’s Tortilla Curtain, Cà ¡ndido and Amà ©rica are victims of animosity and discrimination after fleeing their homes in Mexico to seek a better life in Los Angeles. In their stories

Trade Unions free essay sample

Introduction Over the years a number of theorists have attempted to explain union action and behaviour. The trade unions were formed during the period of rise and growth in capitalism. Capitalism is characterised by exploitation of workers, low wages inequality, this ideology is seen as beneficial to the economy. The trade union as a revolutionary agency will be discussed. Different interpretations of Lenin and Trotsky will critically analyse trade unions as revolutionary agencies. To fully comprehend this essay you need to understand why trade unions developed. Unions developed as means of redressing the imbalance of power between workers and employers, whereas workers had virtually no power as individuals, through a collective organization their influence was considerably increased (Giddens: 2006,754). Trade unions occurred in the capitalist system because of the polarity of social classes and social stratification, which consisted of those whom own the means of production and the labours. All this exploitation resulted in social inequality which made people aware of social consciousness. Aim of revolution The aim of the revolution was to create socialism, which is a world wide classless society based on the common ownership and democratic control of the means of producing the distributing wealth (Ross:1998,175). For Marx the central feature of socialism is that work would no longer be monotonous drudgery (Kelly: 1988,10). Here the individual will only be recognized just as another tool in the production process. The bourgeoisie regard their system as eternal, not subject to fundamental change. This differs radically from Marxism, which teaches us that capitalism is a transitory social formation. Like feudalism and slavery, it will have to give way to a higher form of society. The bourgeoisie cannot be given an objective assessment of the real trends in capitalist society. Everything they do is calculated to serve self-interest for the most malicious type. Emergence of trade unions Trade unions did not instantaneously occur as a strong force but it was assisted by the First International. Like any other movement trying to onvey a point or create change it needed guidance and coordination this is where the First International comes into play. According to Kelly Under the guidance of Marx and Engles, it devoted much of its time and resources to assisting trade union economic and political struggles throughout Europe (1988,21). Economic and political struggle Many economist believed that trade union economic struggle would of itself develop revolutionary class consciousness a nd improve the condition of the working class (Kelly: 1988,29). Therefore economist believed that if trade unions strike and fight for things of monetary value e. g. wages that their conditions would increase. Lenin argued this, he insisted that economic struggle alone could not possible bring significant improvement in the working class. He argued that economic and political struggle cannot be separated. According to Kelly The economic struggle develops the workers political consciousness and spurs the workers on to think of state political questions (1988,29). This is because if the workers are constantly fighting with the capitalists this would bring them in conflict with the capitalist system and the workers could only be political and economically set free and achieve their goals only through exerting they influence in the political system. In a capitalist system the bourgeoisie who are the owners of the means of production determine the political system which is in their interests. It is important to note that even though the workers standards of living may slightly increase, economic improvement, their social position declines. Therefore an economic struggle was not sufficient to completely change the problems that the working class was experiencing. An example of this is South African trade unions due to their persistence of improving employees working conditions they have impacted the political system this is through laws and employee rights been incorporated in the legislation such as employment equity act. Dynamics of class consciousness Class consciousness was vital in achieving a counter- revolution in this case from a capitalist to a socialist system. Lenin argued that revolutionary class consciousness cannot develop out of spontaneous economic struggles of trade unions, but must be brought to the working class form outside the sphere of production relations, by intellectuals drawn mainly from the bourgeois intellengista (Kelly:1988,29). This indicates that Lenin had little regard for the workers, the consciousness had to be brought from outside, the workers were incapable of developing their own ideology. In spite of this Lenin saw a need for trade unions. According to Kelly Lenin did in fact defend the necessity for independent trade union to protect workers against abuse and exploitation and opposed those who saw no role fro trade unions in a socialist society. (1988:30). Trade unions are necessary a prime example would be the numerous people in China who work in sweat shops for multi-national corporations. These people are being severely exploited. They work under poor working conditions and are used as cheap labour for companies such as Nike if trade unions were present this severity of exploitation would not occur. Engels disagreed with Lenin he saw trade unions as playing a potentially revolutionary role; no matter how limited their activities were, they attacked the very basis of capital accumulation. As indicated previously that class consciousness needed to be directed by intellectuals, these are people who had a greater understanding of class consciousness, and socialist ideologies. This indicates only through proper leadership can a groups goals be achieved, this Is because people need to be directed, it is essential for any group especially a large group such as workers they need controlled leadership. Lenin states that the working class a spontaneous and they need help in form of education and guidance (Kelly:1988,30). Therefore the stable leaders are able to maintain continuity of the party since it their profession to be revolutionaries. An importantly the revolutionaries are professionally trained they will be more difficult to catch the organization. A prime an example of this is South Africas democracy political leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Chris Hani fought for black liberation in the struggle against apartheid continuously until it democracy was achieved. Non whites where rioting but without these leaders continuous dedication and direction their efforts would have been insignificant. Another feature of a trade union Is freeriding. This is where people may gain the benefits of joining a union without joining it if they union already enjoys widespread support (ClarkeClements:1978:20). Many join the union for the benefits but don not participate but if everybody decides to freeride the union will soon collapse. Therefore trade unions need leadership because of such things otherwise it will collapse. Lenin ushered in something new not only into the Russian, but into the international labor movement as well. For Lenin the trade unions were a part of a mechanism. According to Kelly for class consciousness a revolutionary party was necessary to educate the workers and instil in the a realisation of their true interests. (1988,34). In one of For him the trade unions were of value only if they were imbued with the Communist spirit. To saturate the unions with a Communist ideology, Lenin was an outstanding political thinker. He knew how to manoeuvre with millions, how to direct millions into the struggle, he correctly estimated the role and the tasks of the trade unions and was instrumental in making the Russian trade union movement play an exceptional role in the shaping of the trade union movement of all countries. Trotsky Epoch imperialism results in trade union organizations in the entire world drawing closely to and growing together with the state power. This process is equally characteristic of the neutral, the Social-Democratic, the Communist and anarchist trade unions. This fact alone shows that the tendency towards growing together is intrinsic not in this or that doctrine as such but derives from social conditions common for all unions. (). Therefore the trade unions are becoming semi-state institutions. There exists this false impression that the workers have an influence in the economic system therefore the state has more control over trade unions and it reinforces its ideology of capitalism. Trade Union bureaucracy Troksty placed great emphasis on the role of he bureaucracy in retarding revolutionary trade union struggle and consciousness. According to Trotsky It is thanks to the trade union bureaucracy that the whole structure of capitalism now stands upright. (Kelly:1988,142). Bureaucracy is characterized by a hierarchical top down and depersonalized structure, it relies too much on written rules and does not allow for flexibility. Therefore the workers would have very little say. Weber believes that democratic representation are closely related to the rise of the bureaucracy (ClarkeClemont:1978,23). Bureaucracy is important because if there are leaders in place individual accountability will be reduced. In becoming bureaucrats, leaders are distanced for the grassroots; because of their organizational power, they able to resist challenges to their leadership and become a semi permanent elite. Michels referred to this process as the iron law of oligarchy. (Clarke Clements:1978,24). Therefore what would develop is a clear distinct separation between the leaders and the trade union members. Trotsky believed that the economy was ready for a revolution and the masses were politically active, conscious and unified or would become so under the impact of economic crisis and revolutionary propaganda. Kelly:1988, 43). Trade unions should have realised by coming together as masses they have greater power and could create a counter revolution instead of being organs of the state. If all the trade unions decided to strike and stop work, production would stop since there are indispensible in the production process and they would be able to enforce their demands through this action. In imperialism capitalism can maintain itself only by lowering living standards of the working class. According to Trotsky under imperialism capitalism trade union can either transform into revolutionary organisation or become lieutenants of capital in the intensified exploitation of the workers and the trade union bureaucracy took the second path (Kelly:1988,45). Therefore trade unions cease being trade unions in imperialist epoch. In other words the trade union cannot be part of democracy, they can no longer remain politically neutral and they cannot adequately serve the needs of the working class with the influence of the state. Transitional demands Trotskys most interesting contribution to the study of trade unionism was his theory of transitional demands as raising class consciousness. From the non achievement of the workers basic demands, workers were supposed to refrain if the system could not meet their demands, then let it perish (Kelly:1988, 47). Therefore workers would ask for unreasonable demands under the capitalism system such as a 15 percent wage when they are fully aware this is impossible therefore the industry would have to meet their demands or they would strike which would result in a halt in productivity. These demands, as we have seen, are designed not to be achievable under capitalism their purpose is to effect a break with capitalism and provide a transition to socialist revolution. (Kelly:1988, 47). Transitional demands as Trotsky refers to them, basically act as a bridge between answering the immediate problems of working people and the socialist transformation of society, the ultimate solution to all the separate issues. This is because many workers would want their immediate problems addressed and would see the idea of socialism irrelevant if their immediate concerns werent being addressed. For Trotsky it went without saying that an adequate class consciousness and an adequate level of organisation would emerge as soon as the economic levels of the working class grew Criticisms The first problem with Trotskys idea that arises from transitional demands, it did not occur to him that the historical process and political-economic institutions in which this new working class was being formed and its practical experiences would be equally essential factors in a counter revolution.