“Marxism can be defined as the theory and practice of international working class revolution. The proletariat is the first subject class in history with a universal interest in general human emancipation - a reflection of its distinctive character as the collective labour force of an integrated global economy, such that it can take control of the economy, transform society, and emancipate itself only by acting collectively and globally. The class struggle of the proletariat, pregnant with this revolutionary potential, is therefore the seedbed of Marxism and its attempt to comprehend human history as a whole through critical scientific analysis. The authentic Marxist tradition is inextricably connected to the class struggle of workers. It cannot be adopted and utilised by other social forces without ceasing to be Marxism.”

Defining Marxism is a treacherous enterprise, involving, as it inevitably does, many different kinds of political and intellectual commitment. Bearing this in mind I have set out on the right the definition of Marxism that I favour. This is not because I think it offers a correct or especially useful way of understanding capitalism. It is, however, the view of Marxism, which I think is most consonant with the idea that class struggle is the decisive element in the development and transformation of society throughout history. Without the dynamic role of the class struggle, and in particular the place of the working class in that struggle, Marxism becomes an analytical tool employed by academics to situate themselves and their concerns in relation to the canons of their particular disciplines, or the means by which professional intellectuals seek merely to determine their political orientation to the authorities or to the government of the day. Under such circumstances Marxism loses much of its political weight; it loses revolutionary vision and, consequently, much of its explanatory power.

Don Milligan

Neil Faulkner

‘Gordon Childe and Marxist archaeology’, International Socialism, Issue 116, 2007

Studies in Anti-Capitalism

What is Marxism?

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