Chapter 29: Problem 14

In Marx's ideal communist society, the state a. actively promotes income equality. b. follows the doctrine of laissez faire. c. owns resources and conducts planning. d. does not exist.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The correct answer is (d): In Marx's ideal communist society, the state does not exist.

Step by step solution

Understand the concept of Marx's ideal communist society

Before we examine each statement, let's briefly understand what Marx's ideal communist society stands for. According to Karl Marx, a communist society is a classless, stateless society where the means of production are owned and controlled by the community. This implies that there is no government, and the people share and distribute resources collectively according to individual needs.

Assess the validity of statement A

Statement A says, "actively promotes income equality." While it is true that a goal of communism is to eliminate income and social inequality, the state in a communist society does not exist to promote anything, as the state itself does not exist. So, this statement is incorrect.

Assess the validity of statement B

Statement B says, "follows the doctrine of laissez faire." Laissez-faire is an economic principle that advocates minimal government intervention in the economy. However, in a communist society, there is no government to follow any doctrine, and the economy is managed collectively by the community. So, statement B is not correct.

Assess the validity of statement C

Statement C says, "owns resources and conducts planning." Although in a communist society, the resources and means of production are owned collectively by the community, the state itself does not exist to own or plan anything. Hence, statement C is incorrect.

Assess the validity of statement D

Statement D says, "does not exist." This statement is accurate, as Marx's ideal communist society is a stateless community where the government does not exist, and resources and planning are managed through collective ownership. Therefore, statement D is the correct answer. So, the correct answer is (d): In Marx's ideal communist society, the state does not exist.