Orthodox Marxism vs. Sorelianism

Attribute	Orthodox Marxism	Sorelianism
Founder	Karl Marx	Georges Sorel
Class struggle	Central to theory	Emphasized as a means to achieve revolutionary change
Role of the state	Transitional phase towards communism	Not a focus, emphasis on direct action by workers
Revolutionary tactics	Political organization and education	General strike and direct action
Goal	Communist society without class distinctions	General strike leading to a new social order

Overview

Orthodox Marxism and Sorelianism are two distinct ideologies within the realm of socialist thought. While both share a commitment to the principles of socialism, they differ in their approach to achieving a socialist society. Orthodox Marxism, rooted in the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, emphasizes the importance of class struggle and the eventual establishment of a classless society. Sorelianism, on the other hand, is based on the ideas of Georges Sorel and focuses on the role of revolutionary violence and the mobilization of the working class. In this article, we will explore the key attributes of Orthodox Marxism and Sorelianism and compare their strengths and weaknesses.

Historical Context

Orthodox Marxism emerged in the 19th century as a response to the social and economic conditions of the time, particularly the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist ruling class. Marx and Engels argued that capitalism would inevitably lead to its own downfall due to internal contradictions, paving the way for a socialist revolution. Sorelianism, on the other hand, developed in the early 20th century in response to the failures of traditional socialist parties to bring about meaningful change. Sorel believed that only through direct action and the use of violence could the working class achieve liberation.

Class Struggle

One of the central tenets of Orthodox Marxism is the concept of class struggle. Marx and Engels argued that history is defined by the conflict between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat). They believed that the working class, through organized struggle, would eventually overthrow the bourgeoisie and establish a classless society. In contrast, Sorelianism also recognizes the importance of class struggle but places greater emphasis on the role of violence and direct action in achieving revolutionary change.

Revolutionary Tactics

Orthodox Marxism advocates for the use of political organizing and mass movements to bring about social change. Marx and Engels believed that the working class should organize itself into a political party to challenge the ruling class and eventually seize control of the means of production. Sorelianism, on the other hand, rejects the idea of traditional political parties and instead emphasizes the importance of spontaneous and violent action by the working class. Sorel believed that only through acts of violence could the working class achieve true liberation.

Role of the State

In Orthodox Marxism, the state is seen as a tool of the ruling class to maintain its power and privilege. Marx and Engels argued that the state would wither away once the working class had seized control of the means of production. Sorelianism, however, takes a different view of the state. Sorel believed that the state could be a useful instrument for the working class to achieve its goals, as long as it was willing to use violence and direct action to challenge the ruling class.

Impact on Socialist Movements

Both Orthodox Marxism and Sorelianism have had a significant impact on socialist movements throughout history. Orthodox Marxism has influenced a wide range of socialist parties and organizations, particularly in Europe and Latin America. The ideas of Marx and Engels have inspired generations of activists to fight for social justice and equality. Sorelianism, on the other hand, has had a more limited impact but has been influential in certain revolutionary movements, particularly in France and Italy. Sorel's emphasis on the importance of violence and direct action has resonated with some radicals seeking to challenge the status quo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Orthodox Marxism and Sorelianism are two distinct ideologies within the realm of socialist thought. While both share a commitment to the principles of socialism, they differ in their approach to achieving a socialist society. Orthodox Marxism emphasizes the importance of class struggle and the eventual establishment of a classless society, while Sorelianism focuses on the role of revolutionary violence and the mobilization of the working class. Both ideologies have had a significant impact on socialist movements throughout history, shaping the way activists and revolutionaries think about social change and liberation.