Marxism is a social, political, and economic philosophy named after Karl Marx. At its heart lies a critical analysis of society, history, and capitalism, proposing that material conditions, rather than ideas or consciousness, fundamentally shape social structures and historical development. A key concept within Marxism, and one that serves as a foundation for understanding its broader tenets, is historical materialism.
In 1859, in the preface to his A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy, Marx articulated the core idea of historical materialism, stating:
In the social production that men carry on, they enter into definite relations that are indispensable and independent of their will, relations of production which correspond to a definite stage of development of their material forces of production. The sum total of these relations of production constitutes the economic structure of society, the real foundation, on which rises a legal and political superstructure, and to which correspond definite forms of social consciousness. The mode of production in material life determines the general character of the social, political, and intellectual processes of life. It is not the consciousness of men which determines their existence, but their social existence which determines their consciousness.
This quote encapsulates the essence of historical materialism: the material conditions of life, specifically how society produces and reproduces its means of existence, form the base upon which all other aspects of social life are built. Marx argued that to understand any society, we must first understand its economic structure.
This economic structure, according to Marxist thought, is composed of two interconnected parts. Firstly, the “material forces of production” encompass the tools, technology, raw materials, and labor power used in production. Secondly, the “relations of production” refer to the social and political relationships that govern production and distribution. These relations include property ownership, class structures, and the division of labor. Marx posited a dynamic relationship between these forces and relations, suggesting that as the forces of production develop, they eventually come into conflict with existing relations of production.
Illustration depicting the economic base and superstructure in Marxist theory.
Arising from this economic base is what Marx called the “superstructure.” This includes legal and political institutions, as well as forms of social consciousness such as culture, ideology, and religion. Marx argued that the superstructure is not independent but rather arises from and is shaped by the underlying economic structure. It serves to legitimize and maintain the existing relations of production. For example, laws and political systems in a capitalist society, from a Marxist perspective, are seen as ultimately reinforcing capitalist property relations and the dominance of the capitalist class.
Marxism, therefore, offers a framework for understanding society that prioritizes the material world and economic activity as the driving forces of history. It suggests that to understand social change, one must analyze the contradictions and developments within the mode of production. While historical materialism is a central tenet, Marxism also encompasses broader critiques of capitalism, theories of class struggle, and visions of a communist future. By focusing on “What Is Marxism” through the lens of its historical materialist foundation, we begin to grasp the core of this influential and often debated body of thought.
