POL 315 MODULE 2
difficult to explain their survival. Despite its internal contradictions,
capitalism has continued in the West for over 200 years. This continuity
can be explained in large part by the nature of the ideology in the
superstructure of society. In all societies the superstructure is largely
shaped by the infrastructure. In particular, the relations of production are
reflected and reproduced in the various institutions, values and beliefs
that make up the superstructure.
Thus, the relationships of domination and subordination found in the
infrastructure will also be found in social institutions. The dominant
social group or ruling class, that is the group which owns and controls
the means of production, will largely monopolise political power, and its
position will be supported by laws which are framed to protect and
further its interests. In the same way, beliefs, values and ideas will
reflect and legitimate the relations of production.
Members of the ruling class produce the dominant ideas in society.
These ideas justify their power and privilege and conceal from all
members of society the basis of exploitation and oppression on which
their dominance rests. Thus, under feudalism, honor and loyalty were
dominant concepts of the age. Vassals owed loyalty to their lords and
were bound by an oath of allegiance that encouraged the acceptance of
their status. In terms of the dominant concepts of the age, feudalism
appeared as the natural order of things.
Under capitalism, exploitation is disguised by the ideas of equality and
freedom. The relationship between capitalist and wage laborer is defined
as an equal exchange. The capitalist buys the labor power that the
worker offers for hire. The worker is defined as a free agent, since he or
she has the freedom to choose his or her employer. In reality equality
and freedom are illusions: the employer-employee relationship is not
equal it is an exploitative relationship. Workers are not free, since they
are forced to work for the capitalist in order to survive. All they can do
is exchange one form of 'wage slavery' for another. The contradictions
embedded in the structure of society must eventually find expression.
4.0 CONCLUSION
Ruling-class ideology produces false class consciousness, a false picture
of the nature of the relationship between social classes. Members of both
classes tend to accept the status quo as normal and natural and are
largely unaware of the nature of exploitation and oppression. In this
way, the conflict of interest between the classes is disguised and a
degree of social stability produced, but the basic contradictions and
conflicts of class societies remain unresolved.
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