Analysis Of The Marxist Concept Of The Masses In Historical Materialism

Marx establishes historical materialism by combining nature and history,avoiding the defects of idealism and old materialism, and putting the concept ofpractice in the theory. Marx sees the masses in positive light, unlike his predecessorswho treat heroes as the determinant factor of history. This positive force that Marxvalues is what threatens and terrifies his predecessors. Marx’s view on the masses istrailblazing in that: First, Marx points out that production of material is theprerequisite of history, and the subject is the masses. Second, Marx sees the masses asthe subject of history and opposes the earlier views that see the masses as a dangerousmob. Earlier historians and philosophers see the masses as a mere quantity, but don’tsee the essence of them, which turns out to be the true propelling force of socialdevelopment. The ultimate reason of excluding the masses’ role in their theories is adeep-seated fear. They fear the masses would turn the table and become the newruling class, thus exploiting them. Marx’s historical materialism clarifies the positiverole of the masses in historical development. This paper starts with the historicaldevelopment of Marx’s view on the masses, including the formative, developmentaland maturing stages. It goes on to clarify the definition of the masses, the relationshipbetween the masses and production, the masses and the social history, and explainsthe details of the view. This paper concludes with the point that Marx’s view on themasses is still useful for the present-day society, exemplified by Lenin’s view on themasses.