Karl Marx on political economy
Political economy examines how a society structures its means of production and spread capital. The Marxist assumption is that societies create social classes where the ruling class (Bourgeoisie) controls and manipulates the larger working class (Proletariat). Marx theorized that societies would eventually push those who are unable to adapt to the constant changes in the means of production out of the Bourgeoisie class. The system mirrored the old feudal system that marred Europe's history and stagnated its progress through the Middle Ages.
Political economy was simply one part of Marx's overarching commitment to dialectic materialism. Dialectic materialism was developed out of the philosophy of Georg Hegel and Ludwig Feuerbach. Hegel's dialectic means that society is constantly experiencing social evolution through the conflict between the status quo of ideas (thesis) and opposing new ideas (anti-thesis). The conflict will eventually reach a consensus (synthesis) where aspects of the old would blend with aspects of the new and form a new standard.
Materialism means that all reality and truth are found in the material or physical world. All of life is a product of materialism. All phenomenons in life are a result of interconnected natural forces. Just as organisms are constantly adapting and changing so does society. The evolutionary stages are predictable and serve to promote society to a superior form.
Dialectical materialism assumes that Hegel's dialectical model only has value if framed within class struggles. The "spiritual" or idealistic dimension was cut off from Hegel's model. The materialistic orientation of the Marx's philosophy cast social conflict as a material phenomenon involving the oppressed overthrowing their oppressors and gaining access to resources.
Marx's political economy and philosophy possesses several characteristics worthy of note in understanding why Marxism remain popular, how it works, and why it fails.
Naturalistic
A basic tenet of Feuerbach's materialism is that only the natural world exists. All that occurs was caused by natural forces. If no rational and natural cause can be identified the phenomenon is not real. Metaphysical beliefs only hinder the social progress that could be experienced if people would fight for the classless society and equal distribution of resources.
Atheistic
Marx's philosophy was inherently atheistic. Feuerbach's philosophy of materialism stated among other assumptions that God was the creation of humanity. God allowed for a sense of security and a hope for a better eternal afterlife. Marx's famous statement was made within this context, "Religion is the opium of the people."
Marx believed that this life was all that existed. The belief in an afterlife was nothing more than hallucinations much like one would experience when "high" on opium.
Without a theological center for his philosophy, where did Marx draw his optimistic views of human nature? He repeated the same tactic used by other alternative movements to Christian religion that occurred in Europe. He borrowed the idealism of Christianity without the substance of the message of Christianity.
Marx assumed that people were not evil but society was evil. People did not need salvation. People merely needed be set free of oppression so their natural goodness and potential could be realized. The line of thought followed that of the Renaissance and the Romantic idealism of Rousseau. People were not innately evil but circumstances caused them to do evil.
Assume Exploitation
A central element of Marx's political economy was the assumption that exploitation always occurs when status or class differences are present. One source of this insight was working conditions in Germany in the mid 19th century. There was exploitation and poverty was difficult to overcome. The Bourgeoisie uses social institutions to keep the Proletariat in its place and keep control of capital.
Promotes Revolution
The only solution for class exploitation is revolution. Hegel saw revolution as resulting in the creation of a new cultural worldview. Marx saw revolution as the means for displacing the current government with a Marxist government. The Marxist government is assumed to be the representative of the people's interests and worthy of the people's loyalty.
Optimistic
Marx's political economy is optimistic by nature. Marxism always promises to lift economic and social oppression for the working class. The redistribution of resources will naturally reduce the suffering of the poor. Rousseau taught that government should be a protector of the rights of people against being subordinated to the will of others. Marxism touts itself as the best means to protect the interests of the people.
Marx's optimistic view of human nature influenced his predictions about economics and productivity. Marx believed that once people were free of social class and had access to resources they would naturally sacrifice in order to make society productive and foster economic growth. The flawed view of human nature led to the downfall of Marxism in terms of economic prosperity.
Irony
A characteristic Marx's approach to political economy would prefer to overlook is irony. Marxism presumes to stop the oppression of the Proletariat by the Bourgeoisie and government took the place of the Bourgeoisie in oppressing the poor. Marxism supports revolution until a Marxist government is in place and then revolutions should cease. Marxism is optimistic but its track record is one of failure. Why do people still flirt with Marxism? Those who feel oppressed by society in some way want it to be true.