Marxism is both a theory and a social and political movement rooted in the idea that "society is the history of class struggles".

Can someone please explain what it means by this, especially the phrase in the quotations

This is from Chapter 1 of the Communist Manifesto.

https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/ch01.htm

The phrase "society is the history of class struggles" is a fundamental concept in Marxism, which is both a theory and a social and political movement. To understand this idea, let's break it down:

1. "Society": Refers to the human collective that exists in organized groups, communities, or nations. It encompasses all aspects of social, cultural, economic, and political life.

2. "History": Signifies the series of events, developments, and changes that have occurred over time and have shaped the present state of society.

3. "Class struggles": Marxists argue that one of the key dynamics in history is the conflict between different social classes. A social class is a group of people who share similar economic positions and interests within a given society. According to Marxism, societies are organized around the division of labor, which leads to the formation of different classes.

Marxists argue that throughout history, these classes have always been engaged in a struggle for power and resources. They contend that this struggle arises from the exploitation of one class by another class. For example, in capitalist societies, Marxists see a conflict between the bourgeoisie (owners of capital) and the proletariat (working class).

According to Marxism, these class struggles have been the driving force behind major historical changes, such as revolutions, economic transformations, and the rise and fall of social systems. Marxists suggest that by understanding class struggle, one can analyze and comprehend social and historical developments.

Overall, the idea that "society is the history of class struggles" encapsulates the Marxist perspective that social progress and change are products of the ongoing conflicts between different social classes.