Contemporary sociologists use Marxist theory to critique neoliberal policies, explore the dynamics of global capitalism, and address issues like economic inequality and worker exploitation. Marxism remains relevant in examining the influence of corporations and political elites, environmental crises due to capitalist overproduction, and widening gaps between the Global North and South. Modern adaptations, such as Neo-Marxism and conflict theory, expand on classical Marxist ideas to include ideology, media, and cultural hegemony in maintaining capitalist dominance .

Marxism maintains its relevance in modern sociology due to its powerful framework for analyzing inequality, power, and social change, particularly in an era of growing economic disparities and capitalist expansion. Despite criticisms, Marxist analyses offer significant insights into issues like the exploitation of workers, the dominance of corporations and political elites, and environmental degradation driven by overproduction. Its adaptability and integration with other theoretical frameworks have allowed sociologists to critique neoliberalism, privatization, and global inequality, ensuring its continued applicability in addressing contemporary societal challenges .

Neo-Marxist scholars, such as Gramsci, Althusser, and the Frankfurt School, have adapted classical Marxism by incorporating analysis of culture, ideology, and media as central to maintaining capitalist dominance. They examine how capitalist societies perpetuate inequalities through institutions that shape consciousness and ideology, rather than relying solely on economic factors. By incorporating elements from psychoanalysis, existentialism, and cultural studies, Neo-Marxism addresses complex social issues in contemporary societies like cultural hegemony, identity politics, and the influence of global media .

Critics argue that Marxism's predictive aspects regarding the inevitable collapse of capitalism and the eventual rise of a classless communist society have not materialized. Capitalism has shown resilience and adaptability, contrary to Marx's predictions, as evident from its sustained existence and growth. Additionally, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the issues faced by socialist states further call into question the feasibility of the communist end-goal envisioned by Marx. These criticisms highlight potential flaws in Marx's assumptions about historical development and underscore the need for continuous re-evaluation of Marxist theory in light of political and economic realities .

Class struggle is central to Marxist theory as it describes the conflict between different classes with opposing interests; primarily, the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who sell their labor. This conflict is inherent in capitalist societies where the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat to generate surplus value. Class struggle manifests through social and economic inequalities, labor disputes, and the proletariat's efforts towards gaining rights and recognition, ultimately aiming to dismantle capitalist structures in favor of socialism .

In Marxist sociology, ideology plays a crucial role in maintaining class dominance by spreading ruling-class values through institutions like media, religion, and education. This creates false consciousness among the proletariat, who fail to recognize their exploitation. Ideology fosters acceptance and legitimization of the existing social order, thus preventing revolutionary change. Marxists argue that cultural hegemony allows the ruling class to exercise control not only through economic means but also by manipulating ideas, beliefs, and values .

Marxism's economic determinism has been criticized for overemphasizing the role of economic factors in shaping society while neglecting the influence of culture, identity, and individual agency. This critique implies that Marxism may overlook the complexity of social relations and the multifaceted nature of human societies, where other forms of inequality (such as gender and race) and cultural dynamics also play significant roles. Recognizing these limitations, some scholars have sought to integrate Marxist insights with other theoretical perspectives to provide a more nuanced understanding of societal structures .

Marxism posits that the economic base of society, which includes the means and relations of production, fundamentally shapes the superstructure, encompassing politics, culture, religion, and ideology. This framework suggests that changes in economic conditions will inevitably lead to transformations in the societal superstructure. This relationship is rooted in Marx's concept of historical materialism, which argues that material conditions primarily determine the structure and development of society .

Marx's concept of alienation describes the dehumanizing effects of capitalism on workers who become estranged from various aspects of their life. Workers are alienated from the products they produce, as they do not own them; from the production process, which is repetitive and controlled; from their fellow workers, due to competition; and from their human potential, as work becomes devoid of personal meaning or fulfillment. This alienation stems from exploitation and the lack of control over their labor and its outcomes, reducing workers to mere cogs in the capitalist machine .

The concept of cultural hegemony, introduced by Antonio Gramsci, extends traditional Marxist ideas by suggesting that ruling classes maintain control not just through economic means but also by dominating cultural realms. It posits that cultural institutions, beliefs, and values are manipulated to perpetuate the status quo, ensuring the passive consent of the governed. This domination of ideas ensures societal stability by aligning interests of the proletariat with those of the bourgeoisie, thereby neutralizing class conflict and limiting revolutionary potential .