MaRxiSm..x

Karl Marx argued that capitalism is based on the profit motive and that under capitalism, profits are generated by expolited workers.

Marx believed that capitalist society is divided into two social classes:

• The working class, or proletariat, who sell their labour and do not own the means of production
• The bourgeoisie, who own the means of production and employ the proletariat.
• The bourgeoisie may be further subdivided:

1. Wealthy bourgeoisie who dont need to work themselves themselves
2. Petty bourgeoisie who emply others, but also work themselves.

Althuesser...

identified the Ideological State Apparatuses:

• Religion
• Education
• Family
• Legal and political system
• Political system (trade unions)
• Cultural and communications systems

Gramsci...

extended this with the concept of hegemony; meaning the dominance of the ideologies of the ruilng class, with all the beliefs and values that they incorporate.

Why am I a Marxist...?

I think that I'm partly a Marxist because I do believe that we live in a capitalist society where most people work under the more powerful in order to live their lives comfortably. I also feel that the ruling class most probably do have more control over the media because of their economic reach and power, however I also feel that no matter which text the audience to consume, even if it has been blatantly portrayed in a certain way it is still their decision as to what they make of it.