Karl Marx believed that the economic system inherently leads to conflict between which two groups?

Karl Marx’s theory of class struggle centers on the relationship between two primary groups in the economic system: workers and owners. He posited that the capitalist mode of production creates inherent conflict because it is structured around the exploitation of labor. Workers, or the proletariat, are those who sell their labor for wages, while owners, or the bourgeoisie, are those who own the means of production and capital.

Marx argued that the interests of these two groups are fundamentally opposed. The owners seek to maximize profits, often by minimizing labor costs, which can lead to lower wages and reduced working conditions for the workers. Conversely, workers strive for better pay and working conditions. This dynamic creates an ongoing conflict, as the economic system is designed to benefit the owners at the expense of the workers.

This concept is central to Marxist theory and illustrates how economic structures can foster social tensions and inequalities. Understanding this conflict is essential for comprehending broader socio-economic debates and labor relations.