Marx's Critique of Ideology and Contemporary China
The critique of ideology is a fundamental theme in Marx’s theoretical space. Within the history of Marxist development, the understanding and interpretation of "ideology" have undergone significant historical changes. Exploring the internal logic of Marx’s critique of ideology and examining its historical evolution and contemporary significance is of great value for the current project of advancing the Sinicization [1] of Marxism and constructing a socialist core value system.
In Marx’s early writings, ideology was primarily viewed as "false consciousness" [2] or a "camera obscura" [3] that inverted reality. By dissecting the relations of production and the economic base, Marx revealed that the ruling ideas of any epoch are the ideas of the ruling class. However, as the revolutionary practice of the proletariat progressed, the concept of ideology began to undergo a functional transformation. It was no longer merely an object of critique but became a necessary tool for class struggle and the construction of a new social formation. Within the Chinese context, this transformation reached its peak through the integration of Marxist theory with China’s specific national conditions.
In the New Era, the CPC has emphasized that "ideological work is a task of extreme importance for the Party." This assertion reflects a profound grasp of the dialectical relationship between the superstructure and the economic base. Facing the complex challenges of the current international and domestic situation, the Party has proposed the "Two Establishments" and the "Two Upholds" to ensure ideological unity and political stability. Furthermore, by promoting high-quality development and new quality productive forces, the material foundation for ideological confidence is continuously strengthened.
The contemporary Chinese approach to ideology does not merely inherit Marx's critical spirit; it also emphasizes upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground. Through whole-process people’s democracy and the pursuit of common prosperity, the CPC seeks to transcend the limitations of Western liberal ideology, offering a "Chinese-path modernization" that provides a new choice for humanity. This process requires us to seek truth from facts and advance with the times, ensuring that the political ecosystem remains clean and that the Party’s self-revolution is unceasingly deepened. Only by persisting over the long term can we consolidate the guiding role of Marxism in the ideological sphere and realize the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.