Compare And Contrast Wright And Marxism

The ever evolving meaning of class in todays’ society is loaded with many adverse senses and invites moral disapproval, also known as ‘exploitation’, where profit is extracted from resources which ultimately reinforces the ongoing inequality among the minority of Australians. This is evident in both Marx and Wrights theories as they are equally carried out in diverse ways. Analytical Marxism approaches the issue of class by focusing on the scientific explanation, whereas, Wrights theory of class values pragmatic research and is open to having his ideas and concepts modified , unlike Marx. In the Marxist theory, he reflects how our physical and emotional life can be affected by our feelings towards work and expenses . He similarly states that

‘exploitation’ is the key to understanding the structure of classes. Also, while acknowledging that there are middle layers, like the petit bourgeoisie, between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, it seeks to intricate a strategy of eliminating their influence on labour movement politics, while at the same time attracting their support. As Wright (1997) puts it, “I have worried endlessly about the optimal way of conceptualizing the ‘middle class’ which would both be coherent empirically powerful” (p. xxviii). However, Wright doesn’t accept everything Marx says. Wrights work reconstructs classical Marxism to modern-day economics and believes the focus should be on the macro-level and how class affects various other aspects of social life instead of structural processes that are carried out at a micro-level. To achieve this Wright arranged his 12 classes according to Marx’s original idea of exploitation and domination. He recognises that some employees such as managers and workers with rare skills and knowledge, can command wages that surpass the product of their labour . This is a clear example of exploitation within classes, which reinforces the myth of ongoing inequality while making the power of the minority invisible within Australia.