Marxianism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A theoretical framework based on the ideas of Karl Marx that analyzes society through the lens of class struggle, economic systems, and the concept of historical materialism
2. An ideological perspective emphasizing the critique of capitalism, advocating for a classless society achieved through the overthrow of capitalist structures and the establishment of socialism
3. A school of thought centered on Marx’s principles, focusing on examining social relations, labor value, and the dynamics of economic power to promote revolutionary change in societal organization

Etymology: "Marxianism" is built from "Marxian," the adjective describing things relating to Karl Marx, and the suffix "-ism," which turns a name or adjective into a doctrine or system of belief. The pattern is familiar: "Darwinism" from "Darwinian," "Freudianism" from "Freudian." Its structure is therefore plain, and its meaning follows from that structure. The distinction between "Marxian" and "Marxist" is where the word gets its nuance. "Marxian" is generally used for the body of ideas Marx himself developed, such as his economic analysis, while "Marxist" tends to refer to people who identify with or organize around those ideas, and to later political movements. "Marxianism" therefore names the system of thought as a self-contained intellectual framework, separate from the political parties and states that later claimed Marx as their inspiration. Used this way, the word points to a body of theory rather than a movement, which is why it often appears in academic writing on economics, philosophy and social history.

Synonyms: Marxism, communism, socialism, dialectical materialism, class struggle theory

Antonyms: capitalism, liberalism, conservatism, individualism, fascism