Class Struggle

Class Struggle Definition

Class struggle refers to the conflict arising between different economic groups within society, which, according to Marxist theory, is the central dynamic driving historical progress. For Marxists, this struggle is the essential force that causes social change by resolving the inherent contradictions between the interests of the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. This conflict manifests across various levels, ranging from daily economic disputes and political negotiations to revolutionary confrontations.

Marxist Conception

In the Marxist framework, class struggle is understood as the motive force of history, driven by the attempt of different classes to realise their respective interests. Historical transitions, such as the shift from feudalism to capitalism, are seen as products of these conflicts between established aristocratic groups and emerging capitalist classes. Fundamentally, these struggles are interpreted not merely as surface-level conflicts but as manifestations of a deeper, underlying contradiction between capital and labour.

Manifestations of Struggle

In contemporary society, class struggle is typically observed primarily at the economic level, evidenced by activities such as wage negotiations, strikes, or patterns of absenteeism. It also manifests politically through debates concerning trade union legislation, the maintenance of the welfare state, and broader economic policy. While the most significant conflicts in capitalist societies involve the relationship between capitalists and workers, other groups, such as the peasantry or the middle classes, may also engage in alliances within these struggles.

Political and Action-Oriented Meaning

As a political and economic action, class struggle is defined by its basis in class interests and its necessity for developing class consciousness, which is considered essential for achieving a transition to socialism. This concept is intrinsically linked to broader Marxist ideas concerning hegemony, capitalism, and the capitalist mode of production.