Marxist Perspective in Archaeology - Essay Example

Marxist archaeologists and anthropologists declare that Marx was highly intellectual. His theories were wonderful. No doubt, there are loopholes in them as well. Some of his theories were unclear and obsolete. Even then, Human sciences and Social sciences have to adopt the contributions of Marxism. Otherwise, they cannot exist. At the same time, Marx also must modify his principles based on modern social sciences. Some feel that Marxism and anthropology/archaeology cannot go together.Social Sciences consist of Functionalism, Structuralism, and Phenomenology.

The outward appearance does not make a man. It may not be real. Nobody should be carried away by surface form. Marx agrees with this when he says that "All sciences would be superfluous if outward appearance and essence of things directly coincided."There is no difference of opinion among people that contradictions and conflicts are good for product development. They are much more than mere functions if the improvement of science is the criteria.Structural Marxism had a unifying perspective in 1976.

Even western archaeologists were impressed by Marxian principles, which in fact are the pillars of methodological development. What is important is whether a particular concept can formulate principles that can be explained in detail. It is at this level that Marxist ideology in archaeology will be judged. When events are ordered by culture, "How it is recorded" is the challenge to anthropology. Anthropology and Sociology will be enriched with Marxism. Anthropologists have understood that because of Marxist theory history has to be given importance.

According to critics of anthropology, Marxism is a product of colonialism. It looks that archaeology has also the same theory. The author has a high opinion about Marxist theory. But he has two opinions about the interference of Marxism in archaeology. However, by the end of the article, he is convinced that Marxism will suit the sciences. He started praising Marx. He even points out straight away that the good principles of Marx should not be overlooked simply because of his communist background.

The author has been very clear in his views about the topic. His thoughts are convincing. He has quoted intellectuals to establish his points. It is quite natural to get a feeling that there cannot be a rigid partition or compartmentalization between the two. Of course, opinions differ from person to person and from place to place. But the thought line going to develop in the minds of the majority will be the above said one.