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Marxism is a critical approach to social analysis that originated from the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It is primarily concerned with understanding the dynamics of capitalism and its historical development. At its core, Marxism posits that the economic structure of society, specifically the relationship between different social classes in their production of goods and services, fundamentally shapes the social, political, and intellectual aspects of life.

Central to Marxist thought is the concept of historical materialism, which views history as a progression of different modes of production, each characterized by specific class relations. Marxists argue that within each mode of production, there is an inherent tension between the dominant class, which owns the means of production, and the subordinate class, which sells its labor. This class struggle is seen as the driving force of historical change.

In capitalist societies, Marx identified the bourgeoisie (owners of capital) and the proletariat (wage laborers) as the primary antagonistic classes. He argued that the proletariat experiences alienation and exploitation under capitalism, as their labor creates surplus value that is appropriated by the bourgeoisie. This analysis leads to the Marxist conclusion that capitalism is inherently unstable and will eventually be superseded by a socialist or communist society, where the means of production are collectively owned and class distinctions are abolished.