POL 315
THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MARXISM
5.0 SUMMARY
Marx refers to the dominant ideas of each epoch as ruling class
ideology. Ideology blinds members of society to the contradictions and
conflicts of interest that are built into their relationships. As a result,
they tend to accept their situation as normal and natural, right and
proper. In this way a false consciousness of reality is produced which
helps to maintain the system. However, Marx believed that ruling class
ideology could only slow down the disintegration of the system.
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
i. Describe the place of ideology in today’s world.
ii. In what ways do ideologies conceal exploitation of the workers?
6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT
1. Explain the rise and fall of ideologies in society.
2. Evaluate the relationship between ideology and false
consciousness in society.
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING
Dupre, B. (2011). 50 Political Ideas You Really Need to Know: China.
Quercus.
Gauba, .P. (2007). An Introduction to Political Theory. MacMillan.
New Delhi.
Heywood, A. (2007). Politics. Basingstoke : MacMillan.
Lindblom, C. (1977). Politics and Markets: The World’s Political
Economic Systems. New York: Free Press.
Onimode, B. (1988.) A
London: Zed Press.
Political Economy of the African Crisis.
Rodney, W. (1985). How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. Enugu:
Ikenga publishers.
Saul, A. (1989). Revile for Radicals. New York: Vintage.
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