Question map
Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one of the following theories ?
Explanation
Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle through the theory of dialectical materialism, which is the philosophical foundation of Marxism [1]. This theory posits that history is driven by material conditions and the inherent contradictions within the economic structure of society [2]. Marx applied this dialectical method to human history, a concept known as historical materialism, to argue that social development occurs through the conflict between opposing classes—specifically the bourgeoisie and the proletariat in industrial societies [3]. While Marx was influenced by Darwin's evolutionary concepts, he specifically utilized the materialist dialectic to explain how capitalism would inevitably be replaced by socialism due to these internal class conflicts [3]. This framework views the social order as a struggle over economic resources and political power, where the exploited class eventually overthrows the ruling class to establish a new mode of production [3].
Sources
- [1] History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 12: Europe in Turmoil > Karl Marx and Scientific Socialism > p. 180
- [2] Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Equality > Natural and Social Inequalities > p. 43
- [3] India and the Contemporary World - I. History-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution > 1.3 The Coming of Socialism to Europe > p. 28