Structural Marxism was an approach to Marxist philosophy based on structuralism, primarily associated with the work of the French philosopher Louis Althusser, although the thought of Lucien Goldmann is sometimes seen as a precursor. It was influential in France during the late 1960s and 1970s, and also came to influence philosophers, political theorists and sociologists outside of France during the 1970s. Another proponent of structural Marxism was the sociologist Nicos Poulantzas.

Some Tenets:

• The state plays an independent role within capitalist structure, its job is to maintain the system.

• Capitalism does not find its own equillibrium, Adam Smith's "invisible hand" does not exist. It creates disparities of wealth, and this will anger the working man as the system continues.

• State behavior depends on economic goals.

• Capitalism begets imperialism. Capitalist societies are forced to find new markets for their goods, and new resources for production.

• There is a distinct relationship between the military, capitalism, and capitalistic imperialism.

Marxism | Structuralism