Why do classes come into conflict, according to Marx?
According to Marx, classes come into conflict because economic processes create contradictions within society. He argued that people are classified based on their position in the production process and property relations. By occupying different locations in production, classes develop opposing interests and objectives.
These opposing interests place classes in constant opposition, creating a struggle between the oppressor and oppressed. Marx stated that the history of all societies is the history of class struggle. As the mode of production changes, conflicts develop between different classes, resulting in struggles that can eventually lead to revolution.
Explanation
The answer draws directly from the textbook context which explains Marx's materialist perspective. It highlights that conflict originates from economic structures and the specific positions classes hold in the production process (property relations). The context explicitly mentions that 'economic processes created contradictions' and that 'oppressor and oppressed stood in constant opposition'. The answer synthesizes these points to explain the structural root of conflict rather than just stating that conflict exists.