What is a key characteristic of the Marxist perspective on social class?

The Marxist perspective on social class fundamentally revolves around the concept of class struggle, which is viewed as a central force in driving social change. According to Marxist theory, society is structured around economic relationships and the conflict between different classes, primarily the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (working class). This conflict arises from the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie, which leads to tensions and contradictions within the social structure.

Marxists argue that this struggle is not merely a historical phenomenon but a continuous process that shapes societies and instigates change over time. The inherent contradictions within capitalist systems, such as inequality and exploitation, are seen as catalysts for revolutionary movements aimed at creating a classless society.

In contrast, perspectives that emphasize social harmony or consensus overlook the fundamental conflicts that exist between social classes and the implications of those conflicts for social dynamics. Similarly, a focus on individual agency minimizes the collective experiences and struggles that define class identities and movements according to Marxist thought. The emphasis on cultural capital, as seen in other sociological theories, centers on how culture and social cues affect one's social mobility, which diverges from the central premise of class struggle in Marxism. Thus, recognizing class struggle as a