A History of Class and a Future of Equality

If all history is the history of class, as Karl Marx famously recognised, then how can we genuinely aspire to promote equality? And if our material state necessarily influences our ideas, then how can we be sure that our convictions have a global truth and not just a local resonance?

Why is it so hard to deny the existence of 'class' in society?

In a capitalist world, people buy a habitable environment. This environment is not provided for individuals freely. If you can't earn enough money to buy this life-space, then you might well be subsidised by your family. This is what Marx calls 'the destruction of the family's sentimental veil'. It is the humiliation you experience at not being able to live independent of those who love you instinctively and would do anything for you. In economic crisis this humiliation doubles. Because despite having education and drive, and perhaps even a full time job, you cannot afford to house yourself or feed yourself adequately.

This family bail-out further reinforces this class system in two ways. One, the children of families with material wealth acquire a sense of entitlement to money that is given to them for free. Secondly, it disenfranchises and demoralises all those without an inheritance pot, who feel respected by the pseudo-democratic capitalist society which not only allows material inequality, but actively encourages it.

So we get buffeted around physically and psychologically. To such an extent that capitalism hopes to kill off all fighting spirit and convert us all into mindless consumers. Which is why we must be resilient, be versatile, and above all be compassionate to others and to ourselves. A 'how can I possibly survive?' mentality must become an 'If you try to drain my energies then I WILL survive' mentality.

Of course we all need food and shelter from which to launch our ideas of universal freedom and equality. Marx admits this when he says that 'men's ideas are the most direct emanations of their material state.' But I don't think it is hypocritical or contradictory to say that 'all history is the history of class' whilst at the same time as advocating freedom and advocating a future without class and with equality.