Base

Base is a key concept in Marxist sociology, referring to the economic foundation of society, comprising the means of production (e.g., factories, land, technology) and the relations of production (e.g., class relationships between workers and owners). The base shapes and influences the superstructure, which includes culture, institutions, politics, and ideologies. According to Marxist theory, changes in the base—such as shifts in ownership or production methods—drive societal transformations and class struggles. The concept of the base highlights the interconnectedness between economic systems and societal structures, emphasizing that material conditions determine the organization and development of society. Sociologists use this framework to analyze how economic systems perpetuate inequality and to understand historical and contemporary social change.