K. Marx: Dialectical Materialism, Historical Materialism, Base and Superstructure, Classand Class Struggle, Alienation, Social Revolution.

 

Karl Marx Sociology Notes for Tripura TET PGT Sociology Exam

Karl Marx (1818–1883) was a revolutionary thinker whose ideas shaped modern sociology. His theories explain how society changes through class struggle and economic forces.

1. Dialectical Materialism

• Marx borrowed the dialectical method from Hegel but made it materialist.
• Society changes through contradictions and conflicts between forces of production.
• History is driven by material (economic) conditions, not ideas.

2. Historical Materialism

• History develops through stages – Primitive Communism → Slavery → Feudalism → Capitalism → Socialism → Communism.
• Mode of production determines social, political, and cultural life.

3. Base and Superstructure

• Base = economic system (forces and relations of production).
• Superstructure = politics, law, religion, culture.
• Base influences the superstructure; superstructure supports the base.

4. Class and Class Struggle

• Society is divided into classes based on ownership of means of production.
• Capitalist society: Bourgeoisie (owners) vs Proletariat (workers).
• Class struggle is the driving force of social change.

5. Alienation

• Workers become alienated under capitalism.
• Alienation from: product of labor, process of labor, fellow workers, and human potential.

6. Social Revolution

• Revolution occurs when contradictions between productive forces and relations of production become sharp.
• Proletariat revolution leads to socialism, eventually communism (classless society).

Short Type Questions with Answers (Tripura TET / PGT Sociology)

1. Q: What is Dialectical Materialism?
   A: It is Marx’s theory that society changes due to material contradictions and class conflict, not abstract ideas.
2. Q: Define Historical Materialism.
   A: A theory that history progresses through economic stages shaped by modes of production.
3. Q: What is the relationship between Base and Superstructure?
   A: Base (economy) determines superstructure (law, politics, culture), which in turn supports the base.
4. Q: Who are the two main classes in capitalism?
   A: Bourgeoisie (owners of production) and Proletariat (workers).
5. Q: What is Alienation according to Marx?
   A: The condition where workers are separated from their labor, its product, and their human essence under capitalism.
6. Q: What leads to Social Revolution?
   A: Class struggle and contradictions between forces and relations of production.

Conclusion

Karl Marx’s ideas remain central to sociology and are very important for Tripura TET PGT Sociology Exam. Understanding Dialectical Materialism, Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, Alienation, and Social Revolution helps students grasp how societies change and develop.

Prepared by Subrata Majumder for STPGT Sociology Success Blog.