A six-session introduction for readers with no previous knowledge
Marxism is not a collection of abstract doctrines. It is a way of understanding capitalism, the struggles it produces and how working people can change society.
This course introduces six central questions: exploitation and class; socialism and workers’ democracy; reform and revolution; oppression and liberation; imperialism and ecological breakdown; and the need for revolutionary organisation.
Each session contains a short guide, introductory readings and questions for discussion. You can read them independently, but they are best worked through in order or discussed collectively. Get in touch to learn with us.
Capitalism and exploitation
How does capitalism exploit workers, where does profit come from, and why the working class has the power to change society.
The state and revolution
What is the purpose and function of a state—and what would workers’ power, democratic planning and socialism look like?
Can capitalism be reformed?
Marxists fight for reforms—but can reforms overcome capitalist ownership and state power, or does winning lasting change require a revolution?
Social oppression and liberation
How capitalism reproduces racism and the oppression of women and LGBT+ people—and why liberation is essential to working-class unity.
Imperialism and environment
Why a system driven by profit and imperialist rivalry produces war, ecological breakdown and mounting threats to human life.
We need a revolutionary party
Why workers need a revolutionary party that can unite struggles, develop a programme and organise the fight for power.
How to use this course
Each guide takes around 15 minutes to read. For a group discussion, allow 60–90 minutes. Read the main guide and at least one introductory text before working through the discussion questions.
Where next?
Finished the course? Explore Where we stand for a fuller statement of Workers Power’s politics, continue with our other Marxist study guides, or contact us to discuss joining a study group or becoming involved.