Marxist socialism, also known as scientific socialism or simply Marxism, is a ideological current developed by the philosopher Karl Marx (1818-1883) and Friedrich Engels (1820-1895), with the purpose of end the existing class struggle in the capitalist regime.
The basis of Marxist socialism was the critical and scientific analysis of capitalism, making it model to differ from the idea of utopian socialism, created by Robert Owen, Saint-Simon and Charles Fourier.
Unlike utopian socialism, Marxist socialism was not intended to create an ideal society, where owners were supposed to donate their wealth and goods to the social common good.
The fundamentals of scientific socialism it was necessary to understand the history of capitalism, how it was consolidated and its contradictions. According to Marxists, capitalism was on a path that would eventually be surpassed.
The first discussion of Marxist socialism came with the publication of the book "The Communist Manifesto" in 1848.
Learn more about the meaning of Marxism and Socialism.
For Marx, a capitalist society was divided into two classes: the bourgeoisie (who had control of the means production) and the proletariat (those who had no possessions and sold their labor for very low prices).
Characteristics of Marxist Socialism
Marxist socialism had as its theoretical foundation:
- the class struggle;
- the proletarian revolution;
- dialectical and historical materialism;
- the theory of socialist evolution;
- doctrine of surplus value.
Marxist socialists believed that better working and living conditions for workers would only be possible through a revolution of the proletarian class and armed struggle.
know more about dialectical materialism and historical materialism.
