Global Issues Exam 2 Review

The two classes in Marxism are the __________ (working class), and the _______ (elites that own means of production.

Goals of Marxism?

Answer explanation

The greater good of humankind and its environment (human emancipation).

______ _____ are the unit of analysis in Marxism.

According to Marxists, where did capitalism and the states system emerge from?

Answer explanation

Both capitalism and the state system emerged out of particular historical conditions and particular social relations. Capitalism led to historical materialism. History is a product of material conditions (economic relations). Cannot separate politics and economy. Culture and politics are products of economic and social relations between different economic groups. 

In Marxism, what leads to changes in human history?

How does Marxism criticize capitalism, realism, and liberalism?

Answer explanation

Capitalism accumulation of wealth leads to imperialism at a global scale. Liberalism allows exploitation and capitalism. Realism overlooks class and economic systems. 

How are culture and politics shaped, according to Marxists? 

Answer explanation

Culture and politics are products of economic and social relations between different economic groups. 

What is the role of the state for economic elites, according to Marxists? (Role of imperialism)

Answer explanation

States become a tool for economic elites. Capitalism accumulation of wealth leads to imperialism at a global scale. 

World Systems Theory – know all the three concentric circles and respective examples. (world systems vs. states)

Answer explanation

Core, periphery, semi-periphery. Emphasizes world systems over states.

Core: Democratic governments. High wages and investment, welfare services. Import raw materials export manufactures.

Semi-periphery: Authoritarian government. Low wages and welfare services. Export mature manufactures and raw materials. Import manufactures and raw materials. 

Periphery: Non-democratic government. Below subsistence wages, no welfare services. Export raw materials. Import manufactures.

What do feminists say about violence in the private sphere vs. public sphere? 

Answer explanation

Public sphere is associated with masculine characteristics like rationality, power, and independence. Private sphere is associated with feminine characteristics like irrationality, being emotional, needing protection, and being dependent.