marxilainen

Marxilainen is a Finnish term that refers to Marxist ideas, methods, or adherents. It can describe a person who subscribes to Marxism or a body of thought derived from Karl Marx and his collaborators. The word is commonly used in academic, political, and cultural contexts to designate anything related to Marxist theory or analysis.

The core of marxilainen thought centers on historical materialism, the critique of capitalism, and the view that social change arises from conflicts between classes. Typical Marxist concepts include the critique of surplus value, class struggle, and the idea that economic structures shape political and ideological superstructures. Over the decades, various branches have developed under the Marxist umbrella, including orthodox, Western, and analytical strands, each interpreting Marx differently but maintaining a common reference to his critique of capitalist society.

In Finland, as in many countries, marxilainen discourse has been linked to left-wing movements and parties, historically including the Finnish Communist Party and, more recently, leftist and socialist groups. The term is often distinguished from kommunisti (communist): while a kommunisti typically denotes affiliation with a communist party or movement, marxilainen emphasizes theoretical orientation or methodological approach, though in practice the terms can overlap in political use.

Today, marxilainen appears in academic writing, political analysis, and public discussion to label Marxist approaches to economics, sociology, and history. It is less common as a self-description in mainstream politics but remains a standard descriptor for works and perspectives that apply Marxist critique to social and economic issues.