Critically discuss the ways that Marxists would understand inequality

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Critically discuss the ways that Marxists would understand inequality.

Marxism takes a structural perspective on inequality; that is, it claims that the individual is passive and lacks control; it is merely the structures of society that shape the individuals. It is also a conflict theory; it claims that society is based on struggle and oppression rather than peace and harmony. This essay aims to provide a brief outline of Marxism with an in-depth outline of the Marxist view of inequality. It will then go on to assess this view, both by giving examples from contemporary society and by contrasting it with other theories on inequality, namely, the Weberian and Functionalist perspectives.

Marxists claim that there are two classes; the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the passive workers (proletariat). The bourgeoisie own the means of predication; they own the land and machinery used to create products (or commodities), however, they lack the labour and man power to make use of this so they are dependent on the proletariat. In order to buy food and survive the workers are dependent on the wage that is set by the bourgeoisie; the bourgeoisie set the wage low whilst selling the product