Marxist and Neo-Marxist Theories

Karl Marx (1818–1883) was a German philosopher, economist, historian, political theorist, and sociologist. His ideas on the relationship between human labor, the economy, and capital laid the foundation for generations of followers in understanding how the structure of society can deeply impact human behavior, thoughts, and processes. Inequality, power, and coercion are key themes for Marxist and neo-Marxist thinkers, and their perspectives on culture and on those in positions of power are useful for developing an understanding of what is witnessed in the media today.

The most important aspect of Marxist and neo-Marxist theories is to understand the sources of inequality within society. Marx explains that capitalism is the infrastructure of society that touches all institutions (law, family, education, the government), and today this includes the ...