According to The Economist, "Marxist thinking retains great influence far beyond the dwindling number who proclaim themselves to be Marxists" (December 21, 2002, 19). In your opinion, what 3 theoretical constructs or assumptions from Marxist theory are most helpful in contributing to the enduring relevance of Marx's intellectual legacy to the understanding of contemporary capitalism Give reasons for your choice of constructs, and illustrate their significance using empirical examples from contemporary society.

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The Answer is The three theoretical constructs or assumptions from Marxist theory that are most helpful in contributing to the enduring relevance of Marx's intellectual legacy to the understanding of contemporary capitalism are the concept of class struggle, the theory of surplus value, and the idea of alienation.

Firstly, the concept of class struggle is still relevant in contemporary society as it helps to explain the ongoing conflicts and tensions between different social classes. In Marxist theory, the bourgeoisie (the ruling class) and the proletariat (the working class) are in constant struggle over the distribution of wealth and power. This can be seen in contemporary society through the growing income inequality, with the wealthy elite accumulating more and more wealth while the working class struggles to make ends meet. For example, the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011 highlighted the dissatisfaction of the working class with the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of the few.

Secondly, the theory of surplus value remains relevant as it sheds light on the exploitation of labor in capitalist societies. According to Marx, the capitalist class extracts surplus value from the labor of the working class, leading to the accumulation of wealth for the capitalists at the expense of the workers. This can be observed in contemporary society through the prevalence of low-wage labor and the outsourcing of jobs to countries with lower labor costs. For instance, multinational corporations often exploit cheap labor in developing countries to maximize their profits, leading to poor working conditions and low wages for workers.

Lastly, the idea of alienation is still significant in understanding the impact of capitalism on individuals. Marx argued that under capitalism, workers become alienated from their labor, the products of their labor, and even from themselves. This can be seen in contemporary society through the rise of mental health issues and the feeling of disconnection and disillusionment among workers. For example, the gig economy has led to a rise in precarious and unstable employment, leaving workers feeling disconnected from their work and lacking a sense of fulfillment.

In conclusion, the enduring relevance of Marx's intellectual legacy in understanding contemporary capitalism can be attributed to the continued relevance of the concepts of class struggle, surplus value, and alienation. These theoretical constructs help to explain the ongoing social and economic inequalities, exploitation of labor, and the impact of capitalism on individuals in today's society.

According to The Economist, "Marxist Thinking Retains Great Influence Far