Updating the Concept of ‘Class Struggle’ in Dialectical Materialism Using the Approach of Quantum Dialectic Philosophy

Class struggle is a central concept in dialectical materialism, representing the ongoing conflict between different social classes driven by their opposing interests. This struggle is seen as the engine of historical development and social change. By applying the concepts of ‘inward cohesive force’, ‘outward dispersive force’, and ‘dynamic equilibrium’ from Quantum Dialectic Philosophy, we can gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of class struggle.

Understanding Class Struggle in Dialectical Materialism

In Marxist theory, class struggle refers to the conflict between different classes in society, primarily between the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (working class). This struggle is driven by the exploitation of the working class by the bourgeoisie, leading to economic inequality and social tensions. Class struggle is viewed as the driving force behind societal transformation, leading to the overthrow of existing systems and the establishment of new social orders.

Concepts from Quantum Dialectic Philosophy

Inward Cohesive Force: Forces that pull elements together, creating stability and unity within a system. In social terms, these forces could be laws, norms, traditions, and institutions that maintain social order and cohesion.

Outward Dispersive Force: Forces that push elements apart, causing diversity and change. In social terms, these forces could be movements, revolts, or any actions that challenge the status quo and drive societal change.

Dynamic Equilibrium

A state where opposing forces are balanced, resulting in a stable yet dynamic system. In social terms, this represents a balance between cohesive and dispersive forces, maintaining societal stability while allowing for change and development.

Inward cohesive forces in the context of class struggle include the legal system, cultural norms, and institutional structures that maintain the dominance of the ruling class and uphold the existing social order. These forces create stability by ensuring that the majority of the population conforms to the established social and economic frameworks. Laws that protect private property, cultural narratives that justify inequality, and institutions like the police and military that enforce the status quo.

Outward dispersive forces include social movements, protests, strikes, and revolutionary activities that seek to challenge and overturn the existing social and economic order. These forces are driven by the inherent contradictions in the capitalist system, such as exploitation, inequality, and lack of access to resources for the working class. Labor strikes demanding better wages, social movements advocating for civil rights, and revolutionary uprisings aiming to dismantle capitalist structures.

Dynamic Equilibrium in Class Struggle

Dynamic equilibrium in the context of class struggle represents the ongoing balance between inward cohesive forces that maintain order and outward dispersive forces that drive change. This balance is not static but dynamic, as the intensity and influence of these forces can shift over time, leading to periods of relative stability or significant social upheaval. Periods of relative social stability where reforms are made to placate the working class (such as labor laws and welfare programs), contrasted with periods of intense conflict and change (such as revolutions or major social reforms).

Inward Cohesive Forces

Laws and institutions act as inward cohesive forces, maintaining social order by enforcing the rules and norms of the dominant class. For example, property laws protect the wealth of the bourgeoisie, and educational systems reinforce societal norms and class hierarchies.

Cultural narratives and ideologies promoted by the ruling class also serve as cohesive forces, shaping public perception and maintaining consent for the existing social order.

Outward Dispersive Forces

Outward dispersive forces manifest as social movements and protests that challenge the existing power structures. For example, the labor movement pushes for workers’ rights, and civil rights movements demand social equality and justice. In extreme cases, outward dispersive forces can lead to revolutionary activities that seek to completely overthrow the existing system, such as the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia

Dynamic Equilibrium

The dynamic equilibrium in class struggle is maintained through a balance of concessions and control. For instance, governments may implement social reforms to address some of the demands of the working class, thereby maintaining stability while allowing for gradual change.

Despite periods of equilibrium, the underlying contradictions and tensions can lead to periodic upheavals when outward dispersive forces become strong enough to challenge and disrupt the inward cohesive forces, leading to significant social transformations.

By applying the concepts of inward cohesive force, outward dispersive force, and dynamic equilibrium from Quantum Dialectic Philosophy to the concept of class struggle in dialectical materialism, we gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic and multifaceted nature of social change. Inward cohesive forces maintain social stability and order, while outward dispersive forces drive change and challenge the status quo. The interplay between these forces creates a dynamic equilibrium, ensuring that society remains stable yet capable of transformation. This enriched perspective highlights the complexity of class struggle and its role in shaping historical and social development.