Question

How do Marx and Engels think that capitalism has changed the world? Do they think that capitalism has changed the world for the better or the worse?

Answer 1

Marx and Engels provided explanation for gap between the have and have not. They have explained how labor or worker class is exploited by the capitalist. Profits of capitalists are surpluses of labor efforts that are not given to workers. More desire for profit means more would be exploitation of workers.

Capitalism has increased production and wealth massively and initially it exploited labor forces immensely. But over the period of time, role of state has changed from police state to welfare state. Now state is actively participating in economic arena to ensure that labors are ensured their rights and benefits.

Thus, capitalism has changed its form to withstand and survive criticism emerged from socialist ideology.