1. Rich vs. Poor (Class Struggle) – Society is divided into two main groups:

The rich (bourgeoisie) own businesses, land, and factories.

The workers (proletariat) do the labor but get paid little while the rich get richer.

2. History is About Money and Power – Marx believed that history moves forward because of struggles over wealth and control, not just ideas or politics.

3. Unfair System (Capitalism) – In a capitalist system, business owners make profits by paying workers less than what their work is really worth. This is called exploitation.

4. Feeling Like a Machine (Alienation) – Workers don’t control what they produce, how they work, or even see the full benefit of their labor. This makes them feel disconnected and powerless.

5. Revolution – Marx thought that workers would one day get tired of being exploited and overthrow the rich to create a fairer system.

6. Socialism → Communism – After the revolution, a socialist system would take over where workers have more power. Over time, this would lead to communism, where everyone shares resources, and there are no rich or poor.

Is Marxism Still Important Today?

Yes! People still use Marxist ideas to talk about:

Wealth inequality – The rich are getting richer while many struggle to afford basic needs.

Workers’ rights – Many workers today demand better wages, working conditions, and job security.

Criticism of capitalism – Some argue that big companies care more about profit than people or the planet.

Classical vs. Modern Marxism

Classical Marxism (Marx’s original ideas) focused on workers overthrowing capitalism through revolution.

Modern Marxism includes new ideas, like feminism, race, and environmental issues, showing how capitalism affects different groups differently.