A Social Perspective On Class Society - 1081 Words

Having studied this topic, I understand that historical interpretations on specific areas of class and its meaning are in some ways entwined together ultimately resulting in a societal action. In a class society, the underlying social issues in regards to members of a specific class; the concealed feelings of the lower class in relation to their social standing within society, consequently forms a class consciousness therefore determining a social revolution. Marxism being a conflict theory primarily focuses on class and its meaning within society. Having read historiographies around this topic, it has also compelled me to reflect upon what the theory advocates; why a society that embodies classes will always be inherently unstable due†¦show more content†¦This is a long term process as â€Å"Class, after all, is not only about resistance and struggle; it can be (perhaps is most often) about subordination, suppressed anger, bitten lips† It is evident that the subord inated working class are voiceless for a significant period of time until an action comes into place. It is a build-up of suppressive emotions ultimately leading into a socialist revolt to bring about social change. This psychoanalysis approach adopted by Andy wood proves to be essential as it provides a more detailed and novel insight into how individuals within a class feel as it reveals the hidden anxieties and emotions of individuals whose lives are grounded by exploitation. This psychohistorical approach not only helps to understand the affects that of the existence of class in a given society as well as to highlight how vital it is for there to be a sense of collective identity and meanings amongst masses. The concept of class consciousness can be seen to be directly linked to Marx’s explanation of a social revolution. This reflection is expressed by David Howell who cited E.P Thompson’s historical writing who suggests individuals that shared a common experience within their societal class provided a basis of a united consciousness and collective action. An effective societal action such as a socialist