The Relevance of "Class-in-itself" and "Class-for-itself" in Marxian Theory of Social Change
The boiling sentiments of antagonism towards the capitalists lead to the gradual growth of class consciousness among under privileged sections of the society not only during the days of Marx but also utmost in the contemporary society.
Having shared the common goal of resistance against ‘the haves’ and in active pursuit of their interests and rights, the have-nots come together to defend their common grievances. Marx terms this section of the have-nots as ‘class-for-itself’ since they uprightly stand by their own class resorting to political action despite the reactionary measures they have to endure from the bourgeoisie. No matter how unbearable the magnitude of the atrocities they have to face from upper class, their sheer questg towards upliftment do not divert them from achieving their homogeneous interests. They, thus struggle to bridge the gap evident in the relations of production between the owners of the means of production and non-owners; and eventually form an egalitarian society. For eg, the emergence of trade unions help reduce the oppression of its members (the employees) in both public sector and private sector companies.
On the other hand, the definite set of the deprived masses not sharing the awareness of their common interests and goal form ‘class-in-itself’ (Marxian term). They are a very passive, unorganized and voiceless section remaining loyal to their masters. For eg, a company employee not belonging to the respective trade union is not benefited from it.
Marxian theories are relevant even after two centuries because not a lot has still changed.
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