Marxism in the Classroom

❂ Because I don't think I fully comprehended Marxism, I never thought about teaching it in a classroom setting. I figured that would be up to the Social Studies teacher.  After doing the activity with social structure on the Great Gatsby, I can see an approach to use this theory in the classroom. You can do this with a lot of novels and it gets students thinking of the different social classes, and it also works with the social studies department integrating the two different subjects. 

Creating a ladder to place the characters in is a great way to start off this activity.   It gets students thinking about which characters have more power over the others.  

❂ The benefits of teaching this theory is that teachers can prepare students for the world.  By knowing and comprehending the different classes, students will be able to be more knowledgeable in the real world.  Students can also start to see the different class structures in all novels and texts read in the classroom.  

❂ The disadvantages this theory could bring is insecurities.  Social structure is a touchy subject.  I know when I did this activity last week in Pytash's class, I was insecure at one point trying to decide where I fit into the mix on the social class structure.  Students can become insecure, embarrassed, offended, and refuse to participate.  Student's have different beliefs that could hinder this activity from being effective.