false consciousness

Frequency: 3.50.9 per million words

In Marxist theory, a way of thinking that prevents a person from perceiving the true nature of their social or economic situation.

consciousnessADJECTIVE + consciousness

Categories:

false

Examples (10)

  • The concept of false consciousness is central to understanding how ruling classes maintain power.
  • Critics argue that consumerism creates a false consciousness, distracting people from their economic exploitation.
  • Overcoming false consciousness is the first step towards achieving true class consciousness, according to Marxist doctrine.
  • The media was accused of promoting a false consciousness by portraying the interests of the wealthy as beneficial for all.
  • In his essay, he explored how ideology perpetuates false consciousness among the proletariat.
  • Some theorists argue that believing in the 'American Dream' is a manifestation of false consciousness.
  • The Frankfurt School further developed the theory of false consciousness to explain the persistence of capitalism.
  • Education can either reinforce or challenge the false consciousness instilled by society.
  • The workers' acceptance of their poor conditions was seen as a clear example of false consciousness.
  • She wrote a paper analyzing the role of false consciousness in modern political discourse.