Policy Analysis: Marxism, Neo-Marxism, Public Policy and Society

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of policy analysis through the lenses of Marxism and Neo-Marxism. It begins by introducing the core concepts of policy analysis and its application within these theoretical frameworks. The essay then delves into key Marxist and Neo-Marxist concepts, including the role of capital, class struggle, over-production, and under-production within a capitalist system. It examines the formation of capitalist power blocks, capitalist hegemony, and the politics of public policy, highlighting how the state functions as a tool for the capitalist class. Furthermore, it explores the impact of these dynamics on state structure, social inequality, and the rise of neo-liberalism. The essay concludes by summarizing the key arguments, emphasizing the Marxist and Neo-Marxist perspectives on policy analysis as a means for the capitalist class to maintain control and influence over the working class and society.

Running head: POLICY ANALYSIS: MARXISM AND NEO-MARXISM
Policy Analysis: Marxism and Neo-Marxism
Name of the Student
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Author Note

1POLICY ANALYSIS: MARXISM AND NEO-MARXISM
Executive Summary
This report will discuss policy analysis in relation with the Marxist and Neo-Marxist
concepts. The used and propagation of policy analysis by the capitalist class in the society.
The power blocks that were created by the elite class for securing control over the society.
The means that they resorted to ensure that their control over the society remain safeguarded.
The state is described as a tool that helps in the fulfillment of the stakes of the capitalist class.
The main focus of the report will be on the use of policy analysis by the state in favor of the
elite class and how they use policy making for their own benefits.

2POLICY ANALYSIS: MARXISM AND NEO-MARXISM
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Policy Analysis in Marxism and Neo-Marxism.........................................................................3
Capital in Marxism and Neo-Marxism..................................................................................4
Class struggle.....................................................................................................................4
Over production.................................................................................................................5
Under production...............................................................................................................5
Capitalist Power Blocks.........................................................................................................5
Capitalist Hegemony..............................................................................................................6
Politics of Public Policy.........................................................................................................6
Welfare Policy Development.................................................................................................6
State Structure and Increased Inequality................................................................................7
Neo-Liberalism and the State.................................................................................................7
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................7
References..................................................................................................................................8

3POLICY ANALYSIS: MARXISM AND NEO-MARXISM
Introduction
The technique used by public administration bodies to analyse the options that are
available for the implementation of goals by the officials elected, is known as policy analysis.
Many corporate bodies use this technique to administer the organizations that involve
complex administration strategies. Policy analysis is a technique that determine if the policies
adopted would result in desired outcomes (Dunn, 2015). Analysis of existing policies and
analysis for new policies are two major fields that come under policy analysis. These two
policies are combined for program evaluation that are known as policy studies. Policy
analysis is mainly focused on public sectors but it can be equally helpful in assessing the goal
orientation of non-profitable and non-governmental organization. System analysis is the
source of policy analysis.
Policy Analysis in Marxism and Neo-Marxism
Policy analysis has a great impact on the society. Marxism that has always focused on
the society and the people residing in it has projected that policy analysis helps in the process
of production. Marxists tried to relate how politics, society and public policy work are inter-
related. As advocated by the Marxists, the major elements that contribute to the formation of
human history should always have relationship to the nature, involvement of technology,
social integration, psychological concepts and continuation of life on daily basis that will
result in improved modes of production (Hill & Varone, 2014). The process of production is
the basic pillar on which the concept of Marxism is established. The mode of production in
the society according to Marxism is Capitalism. The flow of capital is not stagnant in the
society it follows a constant chain.

4POLICY ANALYSIS: MARXISM AND NEO-MARXISM
Capital in Marxism and Neo-Marxism
Capital is the main source utilized that helps in the process of accumulation and
acquisition of raw materials. The primary source helps in the process of production. The
labors are involved in the process of production due to the involvement of economic benefits
they receive from the capitalists. The obstruction in the flow of capital results in disruption of
the process of production (Sen, 2017). The problems that are generated in the capitalist mode
of production are class struggle, over production and under production. These problems are
constantly faced by the society and the labor class is the one that suffers the most when these
struggles arise. The sufferings of the labor class are more adverse than the ones experienced
by the capitalists or the owners.
Class struggle
The struggle that the labor class faces in the capitalist system results in the
exploitation of the workers by the owners of the production structures. The labors constantly
face exploitation at the hands of the capitalists due to the increased demands in the market.
This results in the need for accelerating the process of production that increases the pressure
on the production unit. The capitalists put continuous pressure on the production structure
that leads to the exploitation of the workers. The working durations are long and this has
adverse effects on the health of the labors. Despite the hard work, the labors put in the
process of production they are always subordinated to the capitalists or the owners of the
production structure. There economic condition remains poor and they face economic crisis
quite often. The struggle between the capitalist class and the labor class continues (Sen,
2017).

5POLICY ANALYSIS: MARXISM AND NEO-MARXISM
Over production
According to the principles of Marxism, the profits obtained by the capitalist class has
the roots in the exploitation of the labor class. Constant pressure is mounted on the labor class
that accelerates production that results in surplus production. The products produced in
excess quantity cannot be sold in the market that leads in the accumulation of goods. The
goods that get accumulated result in the loss of the capitalist structure that worsens the
condition of the labors resulting in non-paid employment (Sen, 2017). The workers are
economically dependent on the capitalists and hence they do not have the courage to leave
the units. Economy controls the labor class and results in their controlling by the capitalists.
Under production
The process of under production results in the exploitation of environmental resources
by the capitalist class. This results as the need for the growth of markets and society is
constantly on decrease (Smart, 2013). The deficient markets and depletion of natural
resources that is done by the capitalist class during the process of over production results in
under production as the sources are depleted. The pollution caused by the pressure exerted on
the environmental resources is caused by over production that is reflected by the non-
availability of resources for production.
Capitalist Power Blocks
Neo-Marxists advocate that state is an instrument used by the capitalist class for the
promotion of their stake. State acts as a mediator between the two classes. The Neo-Marxists
claim that the state reflects the stand of the capitalist class by reflecting their ideas about the
economy. There are different fractions created in the society based on economy. State
becomes a tool in the hands of the capitalist class to show case their power (Sen, 2017). The

6POLICY ANALYSIS: MARXISM AND NEO-MARXISM
capitalists shift the state in their favor and create a power block for themselves by using
political authority.
Capitalist Hegemony
The capitalist class can exert their control over the state by using corporate values,
norms and beliefs that are prevalent in the society. Cultural hegemony helps in the attainment
of support from the state that provides the base for the development of economy. The
relationship the capitalists maintain with state ensures that they will continue to receive
financial benefits from the structure (Smart, 2013).
Politics of Public Policy
Public policy develops on historical developments that occur in the society. Society
maintains a proper balance with the capitalist class through the financial aid. State is a tool of
exploitation used by the capitalist class. Historical developments are analyzed for the
development and execution of public policy. Public policies are based on the developments
that occur in the society. The policies are developed in concern with the effects they will have
on the society. The effects policies have on the society are prolonged that is why it requires
special attention while developing them.
Welfare Policy Development
Development of public welfare policies is necessary, as they are necessary to manage
class conflicts that impose expenditure on the state. Social movements that arise in the state
are a result of the class conflict that arises because of the conflicts that arise because of the
struggles that they face in the society. The social movements that are prevalent in the society
create fear among the capitalist classes that the labor class will dethrone their authority. The
position and power they have in the society would be taken over by the workers. Therefore, it
leads to the creation of different power blocks in the society and facilitates that policies

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should be developed keeping in mind the welfare of the society as a whole that will provide
guarantee to the working class that their rights would be safeguarded (Kamerman & Kahn,
2014).
State Structure and Increased Inequality
The capitalist class veiled their intentions to create a sense of liberation amongst the
labor class that will lead to the satisfaction of the working class. The inequality in the society
was described by the economic instability that arose in the state because of the constant
struggle between the classes. The uneven flow of economy in the social structure leads to the
social inequality. The inequality among the society that is created mainly by the capitalist
class for making a clear stratification in the society and as a result the working class always
remains under their influence.
Neo-Liberalism and the State
Neo-Liberalism was the shield of the capitalist class to hide their true intentions and
rule the labor class through the state that is a tool in their hands. This concept focused on the
inclusion of everything in the market under the financial structure. Every commodity that was
available in the market should be included in the economic structure. It advocates that there
should be free market access at the global level. The globalization of the markets would
increase the flow of liquid money that will help them in the growth of the capitalist structure.
Conclusion
The information discussed in the above sections helps to understand that policy
analysis in the social system is based on the needs of the society. Capitalist class through the
policy analysis system tries to maintain a balance in the social structure. The Marxist, Neo-
Marxists advocated that policy analysis is a veil that is used by the capitalist class to fulfill

8POLICY ANALYSIS: MARXISM AND NEO-MARXISM
their interests without reflecting them in the open. They cleverly mask their true intentions,
use the capital as a mean to control the labors in the society, and ensures the fulfillment of
their interests. The society in the Marxist perspective uses policy analysis to exert control
over the working class without even letting them realize their subordination. On the other
hand, neo liberalism focuses on the liberation state has created for the working class by
adopting policies in favor of the labor class. Thus, it can be concluded that state adopts
different policies and makes their analysis for the betterment of the society. The welfare of
the society should be the main aim in the process of adopting policies that would be
beneficial for the society.

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References
Dunn, W. N. (2015). Public policy analysis. Routledge.
Hill, M., & Varone, F. (2014). The public policy process. Routledge.
Kamerman, S. B., & Kahn, A. J. (Eds.). (2014). Privatization and the welfare state. Princeton
University Press.
Sen, A. (2017). The State, Industrialization and Class Formations in India: A Neo-Marxist
Perspective on Colonialism, Underdevelopment and Development. Routledge.
Smart, B. (2013). Foucault, Marxism and critique. Routledge.