Karl Marx viewed capitalism as an exploitative system where capitalists extract surplus value from labor perpetuating inequality and alienation. Key features include private ownership, profit maximization, wage labor, commodity fetishism and cyclical crises leading to class struggle and potential revolution.

Relevance – 

1. Karl Marx’s idea of capitalism highlights exploitation and inequality through wage theft, uneven wealth distribution and labor exploitation, perpetuating class divisions and social injustices evident in modern issues like income disparity.
2. Marx’s concept of alienation and labor under capitalism persists as workers experience disconnection, lack autonomy and face exploitation evident in modern issues like burnout, gig economy instability and automation induced job displacement.
3. Marx’s prediction of crisis and instability in capitalism is evident in recurring economic downturns, market volatility and inherent contradictions, such as overproduction, underconsumption and debt crises, fueling inequality and social unrest.
4. Marx’s concept of commodification and market domination under capitalism transforms everything into marketable goods, prioritizing profit over people evident in privatized healthcare, data exploitation and corporate influence on politics and media.
5. Marx’s ideas inspire resistance and alternatives to capitalism including labor movements, cooperative ownership, progressive policies, social activism and alternative economic models like socialism fueling global movements for economic democracy and social justice.

Karl Marx’s ideas on capitalism still hold truth today. He highlighted issues like unfair wealth distribution, worker exploitation and economic instability. These problems persist, fueling debates and inspiring alternatives that prioritize people’s well being over profits.