Concepts
The first key concept discussed is Bourgeois and Proletarians. The idea is used in expounding the development of capitalism and the oppressive class structure that emerged from it. Political revolutions overturned the unequal feudalistic hierarchies. Feudalism was replaced by a new class of bourgeoisie (who owned the production) and proletariat (who worked as laborers). The authors stated that although the bourgeoisie society overtook the feudal society, it did not eliminate the class antagonism. Instead, it instituted new classes with new terms of oppression and struggles.
The second main idea is the Proletarians and communist concept. Marx and Engels use the point in explaining the intentions of the communist party towards society. According to the text, the party was exceptional because rather than presenting a specific fraction of workers, it represented the interests of all the proletariat (workers). The communist party’s main aim was to convert the proletariat into a unified class with clear interests besides overthrowing the bourgeoisie and redistributing the political mandate.
The Socialist and Communist Literature was the third key concept that presented an outline of three criticisms against the bourgeoisie. They include conservative socialism, critical-utopian socialism, and reactionary socialism. The first one emerges bourgeois members who focus on addressing particular grievances in ensuring the system remains intact. Some of the people who fall under this category include philanthropists, charity organizations owners, and humanitarians, among others. Critical-Utopian socialism focuses on creating new and distinct societies rather than fighting to reform the existing ones. Lastly, the reactionary socialism seeks to preserve the existing conditions without any alterations. The last essential concept is the position of communists regarding the different opposition parties. Marx and Engels explain that the communist party supports all the revolutionary organizations that challenge the political and social order.
Key Concepts
1.Bourgeois and Proletarians
2.Proletarians and Communists
3.Socialists and Communists
4.Abolition of Private Property
5.A Progressive Income Tax
Your overview of the concepts propounded by Marx and Engels is concise yet elaborate. Marx’s theory regarding class struggle between the bourgeoisie and proletariat, though against the backdrop of capitalism, reminds me of the two types of social actors that Acemoglu and Robinson refer to in their book, “Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy” to explain the forces at play in the process of democratization or reversion to an authoritarian rule. Indeed, Marx’s theory in general is one that fits well in political science and political economy both where conflict is characterized between “haves” and “have-nots”, whether it is political influence or economic power. Furthermore, the concepts of conservative socialism, critical-utopian socialism and reactionary socialism proposed by socialists and communists in this book to create new systems that end the economic monopoly of the ever thriving bourgeoisie are very insightful and intriguing discussions.
Michael,
Nice job identifying and discussing these key concepts from this selection of Marx.