Discuss the Marxist view of state.

 The Marxian Concept: The Marxian concept of the state reflects the class bias as existing in any society. According to Marxism, the prevailing method and mode of production determine the nature and function of the state or any institution in society. This prevailing method and mode of production has been creating the vertical division in human society. Right from the agricultural to the industrial mode of production, there have been two classes -haves and haves-not or the exploiter and exploited or dominant and dominated.

These two classes have been in direct conflict with each other, resulting in the division in society. And the state, in Marxian concept, is related to this division or class antagonism. It is not an independent institution but rooted in the economic structure of the society. The existing mode of production like capitalism, neoimperialism determines its character. And the state represents the interest of the dominant class of society. While in Feudalism it served the interests of the feudal class, in capitalism it served the purpose and interests of the capitalist class.

The Marxist concept of state is based on two sets of factors for analysing the nature and function of the state. One is general and the other is specific. The general factor is that the state is an institution determined by the existing classes or class antagonism prevailing in a society. And the state is an instrument of class domination, implying that the dominant class uses it for domination or exploitation of dominated class. The specific point is that every state evolves through a historical process, giving it a specific character.

Thus, the Marxian concept of the state is based on assumption that the state is created by the class struggle.  It represents the interests of the dominant class and is an instrument of domination and exploitation. State most often not take the side of the dominant class.

Power is the basis of the state. It used brute and naked force to suppress the exploited, causing misery and penury in society. Finally, the class antagonism between haves and haves-not would reach to such a stage when the state would cease to exist or wither away. It would establish the dictatorship of the Proletariat or working class.

The prevailing economic situation is not the only factor that influences the nature and function of the state. There are other factors as well. The state instead of withering away has become more powerful. And it not only represents the interest of the dominant class, but that of dominated as well.

Moreover, the modern state has turned into a welfare state, doing out welfare measures to the working class or exploited class. The situation of working-class has improved.

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