Sociology 2240E Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: The Communist Manifesto, Proletariat, Utopia
The communist manifesto
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
7:15 PM
Introduction
• The manifesto describes the economic progress that led to the ascendancy of the capitalist class
and that eventually will produce its own 'grave diggers' -a class conscious proletariat
o Detailing the downfall of the capitalist class and the rise of the proletariat
• Capitalists must forever seek to eliminate their competitors, create new markets, destroy some of
their products in order to minimize the oversupply of goods
o If production is reduced, capitalists will be forced to reduce their work force and with it,
their source of profit
• The question remains: why would the establishment of a communist economy create a more
humane society?
o The communist utopia hinges on the abolishment of private property
o Marx maintains that once the means of production become collectively owned, exploitation
of the worker is no longer possible, this si because of surplus value
o Alienation is also ended because the worker, now a part owner of the enterprise, is able to
direct the production process and maintain control over the product she creates
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com