Marxist Theory of State - VI

Summary

In this tutorial, the Marxist theory of the origin of the state is explored. Unlike other theories, Marxist thought asserts that the state does not emerge from the will of society or serve all societal classes equally. Instead, it originates from class conflict and acts as a tool for domination by the ruling class. The state is shaped by economic conditions, with the forces of production defining social relationships and the superstructure of society. This video provides an insightful analysis of how Marxist thinkers like Marx, Lenin, Stalin, and Mao viewed the state's role in maintaining class power.

Takeaways

• 📜 The video is part of a series on theories of the origin of the state, with previous tutorials covering social contract theory, divine origin theory, patriarchal theory, and historical theory.
• 📚 This specific tutorial focuses on the Marxist theory of the origin of the state, influenced by thinkers like Karl Marx, Lenin, Stalin, and Mao.
• 💡 According to Marxist theory, the state does not arise from the will of society nor is it for the benefit of all; it originates from conflict and functions as an instrument of domination.
• 🏛️ Marx believed that society is a natural institution, but the state is not. Society and the state are fundamentally different.
• 👥 Marx emphasized that humans are social rather than political beings, challenging the notion that man is a 'political animal.'
• ⚙️ The forces of production form the economic base (substructure) of society, while religion, morality, and politics belong to the superstructure.
• 🔗 The economic conditions, or relations of production, determine the political and social structures of society, which rest on this economic base.
• 📊 Marx argued that at each stage of history, a particular class controls the means of production and becomes the dominant class in all areas of social life.
• 🔨 The dominant class uses the state as an executive tool to maintain its power and position, thus giving rise to the state.
• 🎥 The video encourages viewers to like, share, comment, and subscribe to the political science tutorial channel for more content.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the tutorial?

The tutorial focuses on Marx's theory of the origin of the state, as part of a series on various theories of the state.

Which other theories of the state have been covered in previous tutorials?

The previous tutorials have covered social contract theory, theory of divine origin, patriarchal theory, matriarchal theory, and historical theory of the state.

According to Marxist theory, does the state originate from the will of society?

No, according to Marxist theory, the state does not originate from the will of society, nor is it maintained for the benefit of all sections of society.

How does Marx distinguish between society and the state?

Marx views society as a natural institution, whereas the state is not. Society is based on social relationships, while the state is seen as an instrument of domination.

What role do the forces of production play in Marx's theory of the state?

In Marx's theory, the forces of production constitute the basis of all social relationships and belong to the substructure of society. The state, along with religion, morality, and politics, belongs to the superstructure and rests upon economic conditions.

What does Marx mean by 'superstructure' in society?

The superstructure refers to aspects like religion, moral customs, and politics, which are shaped by the economic conditions or the 'substructure' of society, such as the forces of production.

What determines the social, political, and spiritual processes of life according to Marx?

According to Marx, the mode of production in material life determines the general character of social, political, and spiritual processes.

How does the state come into existence according to Marxist theory?

The state comes into existence as a result of conflict. It serves as an instrument of domination created by the dominant class, which controls the means of production.

What happens when a particular class assumes ownership of the means of production in Marx's theory?

When a particular class assumes ownership of the means of production, it becomes the dominant class in society. To maintain its dominance and freedom, it creates the state as an executive tool.

What is the role of the state in maintaining class dominance according to Marxist theory?

The state functions as an instrument through which the dominant class maintains its control and preserves its privileged position in society.