What does class conflict refer to in Marxist theory?

Class conflict, within Marxist theory, specifically refers to the struggle between the capitalist class (those who own the means of production) and the working class (those who sell their labor). This conflict arises from the opposing interests of these two groups: the capitalists seek to maximize profit, often at the expense of fair labor practices, while the working class seeks better wages, working conditions, and rights. Marx posited that this fundamental economic division drives historical change and societal evolution, ultimately leading to revolutionary transformations.

While competition among different social classes or struggles involving middle and lower classes may occur, they do not encapsulate the core of Marx's focus, which is primarily on the dynamics between capitalists and workers. Additionally, cultural conflicts, while significant in their own right, do not constitute class conflict in a Marxist sense, as they divert from the economic and power struggles central to the class dichotomy that Marx emphasized. Thus, the notion of class conflict is firmly anchored in the relationship between those who control resources and those who labor, making the struggle between the capitalist and working classes the accurate reflection of Marxist theory.