Question 1: Who was Karl Marx and what is he best known for in sociology?

Answer: Karl Marx was a 19th-century philosopher and sociologist known for developing the theory of Marxism, which focuses on class struggles, capitalism, and social inequality.

Question 2: Explain what Marxists mean by the term 'bourgeoisie'.

Answer: The bourgeoisie refers to the capitalist class who own the means of production and wealth in society.

Question 3: Describe the term 'proletariat' as used in Marxist theory.

Answer: The proletariat is the working class who sell their labor to the bourgeoisie in exchange for wages.

Question 4: According to Marxism, what is the main conflict that drives societal change?

Answer: The main conflict is between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, which leads to class struggle and societal change.

Question 5: Identify one way in which Marxists believe capitalism creates inequality.

Answer: Marxists believe capitalism creates inequality because the bourgeoisie exploit the working class for profit, leading to unequal wealth distribution.

Question 6: Discuss what Marxists predict will happen eventually to capitalism.

Answer: Marxists predict that capitalism will eventually be overthrown through revolution, leading to a classless society where resources are shared equally.

Question 7: Imagine a society where the working class has taken control of the means of production. Draw a simple sketch representing this scenario and label the key elements.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a group of workers collectively managing a factory or land, with labels indicating 'workers' control', 'factory', and 'resources'.

Question 8: In your own words, explain why Marxists believe that education can serve to reinforce social inequality.

Answer: Marxists believe education reinforces inequality because it often reproduces the values of the ruling class, maintaining the existing class structure and limiting social mobility.

Question 9: Name and briefly describe one Marxist concept related to media and culture.

Answer: Ideology: Marxists argue that media and culture promote the ideas of the ruling class, shaping people's beliefs to support capitalism and social inequality.

Question 10: Provide one criticism of Marxist theory in explaining modern society.

Answer: A criticism is that Marxist theory oversimplifies society by focusing mainly on class conflict and neglecting other factors like gender, ethnicity, and individual choice.