What social theory called for a classless society resulting from the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism?

• A. Socialism
• B. Communism
• C. Laissez-faire
• D. Capitalism

Answer: (B)

The social theory that called for a classless society resulting from the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism is communism. This ideology, primarily associated with the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, posits that capitalism inherently leads to class struggles between the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class) and the proletariat (the working class). Marx theorized that this struggle would eventually culminate in a proletarian revolution, leading to the dismantling of class structures and the establishment of a society where the means of production are commonly owned and operated, eliminating social classes altogether.

Communism envisions a stateless and classless society where goods and services are distributed based on need rather than market-driven mechanisms, contrasting sharply with existing capitalist structures. This revolutionary approach is a defining characteristic of communism, while other options like socialism advocate for varying degrees of state intervention and mixed ownership without necessarily seeking a completely classless society.