Marx, Capitalism and the Occupy Movement

Karl Marx discussed capitalism as being the highest form of human development. The term “undeveloped” paints a picture of a third world or rural setting, a traditional or tribal way of life, and often of oppressed people. The lack of material goods, political stability, infrastructure, and western normalities leads to the conclusion that these regions and their populations are under-developed. Drawing such conclusions underlines that we adopt Marx’s point of view on capitalism in that respect.

With regards to capitalism Marx developed the conflict theory, a socio-economic outlook on the interplay between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. The conflict exists between the majorities of populations (proletariat – working class) that are exploited by the minorities of controlling capitalists (bourgeoisie) who have the resources to produce wealth. According to Marx, a revolution of the working class is the only means to overthrow this system and produce a classless society, free of exploitation (Henslin, Glenday, Pupo & Duffy, 2010).

The Occupy movement, a protest directed to economic and social inequality, made an impact around the world this past year. According to British magazine The Guardian, “951 cities in 82 countries,” were “occupied” by working class individuals that protested growing disparity of wealth, and corporate influence on democracy (Rogers, 2011).

“We are the 99%” was a term coined during the movement which underlined the concentration of wealth among the top earning 1% of population. Marx’s conflict theory echoes this reality. As I am part of the 99%, the values of the Occupy movement and of Marx’s conflict theory hit close to home. Unfortunately the occupy movement fell short of a revolution so, the capitalist system remains.

As the great recession takes its toll, it is interesting to look human populations that are less developed than their capitalist counterparts. I think there is something to be said...