Base and superstructure

Diagram explaining the relationship between the base and the superstructure in Marxist theory

According to Marxism, society is made up of the base (substructure) and the superstructure. These two parts influence each other.

Base and superstructure

Base

The base is made up of the means of production (such as land, factories, raw materials) and the relations of production, or the social relations people enter in order to survive (such as being an employer or an employee).

Superstructure

The superstructure is made up of the non-material things (such as institutions, laws, religion, culture) that make up society and shape how people think about themselves and their place in the world. The superstructure shows the interests of the ruling class.

Relationship

The base shapes the superstructure. The superstructure defends how the base operates. For example, in capitalism, schools teach students how to become part of the labor force and acquire capital.

The base and the superstructure need each other. They also change over time.