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Marxism

A classless society where wealth and resources are distributed equitably, leading to the eradication of exploitation and social inequality.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • Marxism is a political and economic ideology that was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century. It is based on the theories of historical materialism, which posits that society is fundamentally shaped by the economic system, and class struggle, which argues that conflict between social classes is the driving force of history.

    Marxism asserts that capitalism, the economic system in which private individuals or businesses own capital goods, is inherently exploitative. It argues that the capitalist class, or bourgeoisie, exploits the working class, or proletariat, by appropriating the surplus value produced by the workers. This exploitation, according to Marxists, leads to class struggle and will eventually result in the overthrow of capitalism and its replacement with socialism, a system in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the workers.

    Marxism also posits that under socialism, the state would wither away and be replaced by a classless, stateless society known as communism. In this society, according to Marx and Engels, the principle of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs" would prevail.

    The history of Marxism is marked by its influence on revolutionary movements worldwide. After the publication of Marx and Engels' "The Communist Manifesto" in 1848, their ideas spread rapidly among the working classes in Europe. In the 20th century, Marxism became the ideological basis for the socialist revolutions in Russia, China, Cuba, and other countries. These revolutions led to the establishment of socialist states that claimed to be guided by Marxist principles.

    However, the interpretation and implementation of Marxism have varied widely. In the Soviet Union, for example, Marxism-Leninism, a version of Marxism adapted by Vladimir Lenin, became the official state ideology. It emphasized the role of a vanguard party and a transitional socialist state. In China, Mao Zedong developed Maoism, which incorporated aspects of agrarianism and guerrilla warfare.

    Despite the collapse of many Marxist-Leninist states in the late 20th century, Marxism continues to influence political thought and movements. It has also been developed and critiqued in various academic disciplines, including sociology, economics, and history.

Relevant stances

Voters that identify as Marxism are most likely to agree with these stances.

Opposing stances

Voters that identify as Marxism are most likely to oppose these stances.

Similar ideologies

These ideologies are most similar to Marxism.

Revolutionary Socialism

The establishment of a classless, egalitarian society through the overthrow of oppressive systems and the redistribution of wealth and power.

Confederate FlagUkrainian Defense FundingPublic TransportationMedicaidRent Control

Scientific Socialism

A society where wealth and resources are distributed equitably, leading to the eradication of class distinctions and exploitation.

Ukrainian Defense FundingCorporate SubsidiesConfederate FlagMandatory VaccinationsPublic Transportation

Trotskyism

The establishment of a global socialist society through continuous revolution and workers' democracy.

IsraelEconomic StimulusWelfare Drug TestingMedicaidTorture

Neo-Communism

A society where wealth and resources are distributed equitably, leading to the eradication of poverty and the establishment of a classless, harmonious community.

Government SpendingUkrainian Defense FundingConfederate FlagIsraelTaxes

Communism

A classless society where wealth and resources are distributed equally among all citizens, leading to a harmonious and prosperous community.

Ukrainian Defense FundingMandatory VaccinationsImmigration HealthcarePaid Sick LeaveRent Control

Anti-Capitalism

Creating a more equitable society where wealth and resources are distributed fairly among all individuals.

Government SpendingUkrainian Defense FundingPaid Sick LeaveImmigration HealthcarePublic Transportation

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Marxism.

Far-right

Promoting traditional values, nationalism, and strict immigration policies to preserve cultural identity and protect national sovereignty.

Single-Payer HealthcareConfederate FlagCapital Gains TaxVoter FraudMedicaid

Right-Wing

Promoting individual freedoms, limited government intervention, and strong national defense to create a prosperous and secure society.

Voter FraudConfederate FlagPublic TransportationSingle-Payer HealthcareCapital Gains Tax

Right

Promoting individual freedoms and personal responsibility to create a prosperous and fair society.

Capital Gains TaxSingle-Payer HealthcarePublic TransportationCharter SchoolsIsrael

Anarcho-Capitalism

Achieving a society where individual freedom is maximized through the elimination of government intervention and the promotion of voluntary exchanges within a free market system.

Paid Sick LeavePublic TransportationCapital Gains TaxGovernment SpendingMinimum Wage

Right-Wing Populism

Promoting national sovereignty, traditional values, and economic prosperity for the common people through limited government intervention and strict immigration policies.

Confederate FlagCapital Gains TaxBorder WallMedicaid Work RequirementSingle-Payer Healthcare

Conservatism

Preserving traditional values and institutions to maintain social stability and continuity.

Capital Gains TaxVoter FraudIsraelSingle-Payer HealthcareCritical Race Theory in K-12 Education

How similar are your political beliefs to Marxism issues? Take the political quiz to find out.