Understanding Materialism

Materialism refers to the idea that people's thoughts, cultural norms, and attitudes stem from their social and economic conditions rather than being preordained or inherent. This perspective emphasizes that individuals are influenced by their material interests, meaning that their economic and physical well-being significantly motivate their actions and beliefs. Socialists must adopt a materialist viewpoint because socialism aims to establish conditions that genuinely benefit the majority, particularly the working class, who are often adversely affected by capitalism. Emphasizing concrete interests rather than ideologies means recognizing that many people may not be aware of what truly serves their material needs without understanding their lived experiences within the economic system.