Read Item C below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 3

Marxist approaches provide a critical framework for analyzing socio-economic inequalities present in today's society. Firstly, they emphasize the concept of class struggle, depicting contemporary issues such as wealth disparity and labor exploitation as results of capitalist structures. Marxists argue that many institutions, such as the media and education, perpetuate capitalist ideology, illustrating how they shape public perception and maintain social norms.

Moreover, Marxist theorists like Althusser introduced the notion of the ideological state apparatus, which further elucidates how various institutions reinforce dominant ideologies. By applying these concepts, one can assess how contemporary movements, such as those fighting for workers’ rights or social justice, exemplify the continuing relevance of Marxist thought.

However, critics suggest that traditional Marxism does not fully account for the complexities of modern society, including the roles of identity politics and intersectionality. Current sociological perspectives often blend Marxist theories with other critical theories, raising questions about its sufficiency in explaining diverse social phenomena today. Nevertheless, Marxism's focus on power dynamics, economic structures, and class relations remains a vital perspective in sociological discourse.