‘Let the ruling classes tremble at a communist revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains, They have a world to win. Workingmen of all countries, unite! ‘ (Karl Marx). Karl Marx is one of the most influential men in modern history. He Is well-known for The Communist Manifesto’ which was written in 1848. Karl Marx was born In 1818 In Trier, thereafter, earned his living as a Journalist after studying philosophy and economics In Berlin. HIS belief was that the economic system shapes society to a great extent and education plays a large role Into this theory.
Marxist, the name of his theory, was established during the Industrial Revolution of the mid-19th century. In this essay, I am going to assess the history of the Marxist theory, and also assess the contribution of this theory on the role of education in the Caribbean society. Marxist perceive a capitalist society is being ruled by the economy. The minority, the ruling class or ‘bourgeoisie’ rule the majority, namely the workers or ‘proletariat. The bourgeoisie have the wealth and the power to rule whereas the proletarians are capitalized on, hence, not treated fairly.
This exults in inequality among the classes. In addition, Marxist believe that institutions such as organized religion, the mass media, the political and the education systems all support the ideology that the rich and powerful should dominate society. They encouraged the ideology or belief that society is fair and Just and that the proletariat should Just tolerate and accept the capitalist society. A capitalist society is one in which natural resources and the means of producing goods and services are privately owned (Macaroni & Plumper, 2008).
Marx argues that the high growth of his wealth Is as a result of the masses, proletariat, being exploited. He also debated that the conflict between classes brings about such consequence and this will eventually revolutionize the capitalist society into a class- less society. This conflict was culminated by indifference and also Inequality between both classes and the factors of production. On the other hand, past Caribbean leaders such as Michael Manley Ammoniac), Forbes Burnham (Guyana) and Maurice Bishop (Grenade), were all persuaded by Marxism and Neo; Marxism.
In 1972, Manley gained sovereignty in Jamaica against the backdrop of social unrest and extensive cry for welfare reform. He then established a rooted obligation to social justice and equality on account to the depressing realities he encountered as president of the National Worker’s union (NNW), where he served poor workers against wealthy employers. In agreement with the Marxist philosophy that the masses should control the means of production, the Manley administration set out to owning majority of the shares in the transport system, as well as the electricity and telephone companies.
In addition, in his effort to Increase the dividend of Jamaica, Manley Implemented a 7. 5% Bauxite Levy on all bauxite companies operating In the country. He also established legislations In order to safeguard the vulnerability of the society. For example, The Minimum Wage Act, Maternity Leave Act and the Family Court Act. In 1966, after independence from Britain, the Linden Forbes Burnham legislation embraced a socialist type of economic development which allows for the amendment of the constitution at that time, in order to show the underlying structure of Cooperative Socialism to be seen by the
Gayness people. I nee mall purpose AT ten new political system was to develop an egalitarian democracy whereby citizens could take part in the management and decision- making process of the state. With the aim of redistributing wealth to the masses through social programmer, for example health and education, Burnham initiated a nationalization programmer in sugar, bauxite and communication sectors. On the contrary, Maurice Bishop and the New Jewel Movement (NJ) aim were to liberate the people of Grenade from colonial political thinking under the Eric Garry administration.
He wanted to start a process of nationalization of banks, transportation and the media and also improve working conditions through revolutionary labor legislations, and bettering health care as well as education. Bishop Joined alliances with Cuba which gave technical assistance construction projects, for example, building the the Pont Saline’s Airport in Grenade and also granting scholarships to Grenadiers to study in Cuba. Although the Grenadier socialist undertaking was short-lived due to internal conflict, Jamaica and Guyana socialist experiment proved disastrous because of severe debt anxiety.
Despite Karl Mar’s death on March 14, 1883, Marxism nevertheless prevail in modern society. However, capitalism that resulted in extensive inequality and modern social conflicts will never be exonerated from the Hegelianism dialectic code as a result of the corporate system being very active and aggressive; it is vulnerable to conflicts and inconsistency thus leading to radical conditions. Moreover, ‘Marx saw the new revolutionary social class, the proletariat, as the “gravediggers” of capitalism’ (German, L. , 1998).
Marx went on to encourage the workers (masses) of the oral to Join together so that the wealth which they have generated in the very beginning be redistributed, and establish a more humane system based on human need not corporate greed. As soon as the proletarians obtain total victory over capitalism, ‘humanity will then reach the end of history: Communism’ (Karl Marx). Despite being written 165 years ago, his revolutionary ideas are still significant in modern society more than ever to fight for an equitable society.
In order for capitalism to succeed, it must have an industrious and obedient workforce that is too divided to challenge the authority of the rulers. Bowels and Giants (1976), American sociologists, proposed correspondence theory, implies that educational inequality epitomize the inequality of wider society. They also believed that education supplies a labor market with the type of personality, attitudes and values, most useful to capitalists by means of a hidden curriculum.
The curriculum contains things that children will learn by attending school instead of the so-called educational objectives. Additionally, Marxist perspectives place stress upon the role of the schools in preparation for children’s’ future working role in terms of skill and values. The important factor to note is that Marxist look at education as a vehicle used for exploitation of the minority population by the ruling class.
Bowels and Giants also imply that the primary purpose of schools is to develop a willing and inferior labor force, which will go on to help generate profits for the bourgeoisie without questioning their control in society. French Marxist philosopher, Louis Altruists (1971), believed that education socializes the minority’s children into complying with their subordinate position in society to the middle class. He also spoke on the media, he law and religion, that they too support this concept and pass on an ideology or Dealer system, AT ten ruling class.
In Alton, nee sees coeducation as ten implant agency of social control in a capitalist society. Altruists states that education spawns different beliefs and practices of people which lead to divisions of labor; it can also coach people, in this case the proletarians, on how to accept their social status, to be exploited, and to show the bourgeoisie how to control the labor market. Marxism helps to explain the diversity of ones advancement via the education system into dull life. On the other hand, the Functionalists perspective challenges the Marxist theory of education.
Functionalists believe that the education system is primarily based on a meritocracy. Druthers and Parsons, Functionalist sociologists, explain that people in society who are the most talented and hardworking will be recognized by the education system and will be qualified to access high positions in the labor market. Functionalists presume this will occur despite your social status or position. In addition, Functionalists see education as a vehicle that is used to pass on society ultra beliefs.
They also believe education create the means of togetherness and allows for the masses to be united in order for a harmonious society to exist. Parsons (1961) believes that education influences extensive beliefs globally and act as a channel linking families with the wider society hence secondary colonization taking place. In summary, Mar’s attitude about the bourgeoisie was they dominate, exploit and manipulate the masses with their ideologies by using meritocracy ways. There is a lack of balance and injustice in society when this technique (meritocracy) is racketed.
On the contrary, there may be members of the working class being successful and accessing higher positions in the labor market, but there are still many proletarians today who do not advance up the social ladder. Hence, Marxist belief on how to develop society is for the masses to unite and conquer the capitalists by way of violent revolts being that the capitalist class will at no time willingly cease control over society. Ultimately, a communist society will prevail as soon as the masses have established the suitable concept that will bring to an end, inequality.
