marxism

/'mɑ:ksizm/

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Word: Marxism

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Marxism is a set of ideas and theories developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It suggests that people's actions and the way society is organized are mainly influenced by economic conditions. Marxism also believes that there is a struggle between different social classes (like the rich and the poor) that leads to changes in history. According to Marxism, capitalism (the system where businesses are privately owned and operated for profit) will eventually be replaced by communism (a system where all property is owned by the community and everyone shares resources equally).

Usage Instructions:

• When to use: You can use the word "Marxism" when talking about ideas related to economics, politics, or social theory, especially when discussing class struggles and societal change.
• Example in a sentence: "Many political movements in the 20th century were influenced by Marxism, advocating for the rights of the working class."

Advanced Usage:

In academic discussions, you might encounter phrases like "Marxist theory" or "Marxist analysis," which refer to applying Marxism to understand social or economic issues.

Word Variants:

• Marxist (adjective): Relating to the ideas of Marx. Example: "He is a Marxist thinker."
• Marxist (noun): A person who believes in Marxism. Example: "Many Marxists argue for a revolution to change society."

Different Meanings:

While "Marxism" primarily refers to the theories of Marx and Engels, it can also refer more broadly to any political or social movement that draws on those ideas, even if they differ in some aspects.

Synonyms:

• Communism: Often associated with Marxism but specifically refers to the economic and political system where all property is publicly owned.
• Socialism: Related to Marxism, but it can be a broader term that includes a variety of systems that advocate for collective or governmental control of the economy.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to the term "Marxism." However, you might hear discussions about "class struggle," which is a key concept in Marxism focusing on the conflict between different social classes.

Conclusion:

Marxism is an important concept in understanding political and economic theories related to class and society.

Academic

Noun

1. the economic and political theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that hold that human actions and institutions are economically determined and that class struggle is needed to create historical change and that capitalism will ultimately be superseded by communism

Synonyms

• marxism