Base and Superstructure Theoretical Review

a. Base and Superstructure

Base and Superstructure are two terms in Marxism to describe the parts of human society. According to Tyson 2006:54, economics becomes the Base where the Superstructure arises. For Marx, the Base is the economic system that constructs the society, the mode or the method of production. While, the Superstructure refers to all social and political aspects of society including education, religion, media, arts, science, government and etc. Tyson’s explanation here shows how economic activity shapes social relation, culture, ideologies and institutions. He adds that those who hold economic power always have social and political controls. The wealthy will have a privilege to control their social environment. Thus, the elements of the superstructure work to legitimate the power of the ruling class in the society Eagleton, 1976:3. The Superstructure has basic functions to preserve and maintain the domination of one powerful class in a society and cover the unequal situation of society. Furthermore, Eagleton 1976: 5 states that the relationship between Base and Superstructure is complex and not a mechanical one to one relationship. He asserts that forms of the superstructure continually react back upon and influence the base. Eagleton 1976:5 mentions that it is true about the fact that base shapes and changes the superstructure. However, Eagleton tries to clarify that the superstructure itself contains some elements that interact each other and then affect the base. In other words, superstructure is not passive structure. It has its own development and has the ability to influences the base. Therefore, if there is a social change means there will be a change in base and superstructure, but it is the result of complete transformation in the base that influenced by all superstructure elements in their previous age. In Marxism terms, economic conditions of society are known as material circumstances and the social, political and ideological formations created by the material condition are called historical situation Tyson, 2006:54. Tyson further says that to find out the value of every human and cultural production means to look at the material and historical condition where the production was made. Those perspectives imply that the key to understanding all human creations including art and literature which are parts of the superstructure of society must be linked to the socioeconomic systems in which those creations appear.

b. Ideology in Marxism