Monday, October 13, 2025

How does Marxian view of state differ from that of John Locke

 Marx's view of the state differs fundamentally from John Locke's, diverging on the origin, purpose, nature, and fate of political power. Locke sees the state as a neutral arbiter created by consent to protect natural rights, while Marx views it as an instrument of class oppression designed to maintain the power of the ruling class Marx view of state Instrument of class domination: The state is a tool of the dominant economic class (the bourgeoisie in capitalism) to protect its property and privileges and to suppress the working class (the proletariat).

Not a neutral entity: The state is not a neutral body that serves all citizens equally; rather, its structure and functions are determined by the underlying economic system and class relations. Origin in class society: The state did not always exist. It arose when society became divided into classes with conflicting economic interests, which required a formal apparatus to manage and control the oppressed classes. Maintenance of social order: The state's role is to maintain social order and stability in a way that preserves the existing economic hierarchy and prevents the working class from challenging the ruling class's power. And Johan Locke state of viewNatural rights: Individuals are born with inherent, inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property that predate any government. Natural law: This is a universal law that all individuals can access through reason and that dictates that no one should harm another in their life, health, liberty, or possessions. Freedom and equality: People are free and equal in the state of nature, with no one being naturally subordinate to another. Absence of government: There is no common, established authority to act as a judge or enforce the law of nature, so each individual is their own judge and has the right to punish violations of the law.

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John Locke sees the state as a neutral entity that protects the rights and properties of individuals in a social contract setup. He emphasizes individual rights, like life, liberty, and property, and thinks the state's main job is to safeguard these. Marx, on the other hand, views the state as an instrument of class rule. According to Marx, the state serves the interests of the ruling class (like the bourgeoisie in a capitalist setup) to maintain their power over the working class (proletariat). Marx thinks the state isn't neutral but rather a tool for class domination. He predicts that in a communist society, with the abolition of classes, the state would eventually "wither away" as there's no need for it to enforce class rule.

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