According to Karl Marx, what struggles drive societal progress?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Karl Marx posited that the fundamental dynamic driving societal progress is rooted in class struggles, particularly between the bourgeoisie (the wealthy) and the proletariat (the poor or working class). This perspective is central to his theory of historical materialism, which suggests that economic relationships and class struggles shape social structures and historical change.

Marx argued that as different classes conflict over resources, power, and control, these struggles lead to social upheavals that can catalyze significant advancements in society. The resolution of these class conflicts can result in shifts in modes of production, ultimately leading to societal evolution, such as the transition from feudalism to capitalism and eventually to socialism. This concept emphasizes the importance of economic inequality and exploitation as critical factors in understanding social dynamics and progress, whereas the other options focus on different forms of conflict that may not align with Marx's core theories regarding class and economic relationships.