International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue XI, November 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Chinedu P. Bosah, Ph.D
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nigeria
Abstract: Before the writing of Karl Marx the bourgeoisie recognized the existence of class struggle between the haves and have-nots: the exploiting and the exploited class. Social-consciousness therefore, is a cause and consequence of the class struggle. The struggle between classes is all part of the yearning of the dominated class for freedom, equality and justice in the process of production and distribution of material well-being of people. This struggle is a function of power and this can be understood within the context of the local situation, especially the material conditions of majority of Nigerians. The outcome of class struggle decides not only whether there is progress towards justice, equality and freedom but also how much progress. This injustice, domination, oppression, exploitation are social in character and impede social progress, and consequently generate opposition to themselves. Such opposition results in struggle to end their existence or ameliorate their consequences. In Nigeria this struggle takes the form of strikes, demonstrations and civil disobedience against perceived exploitative state economic policies. Since the State is the principal actor in the allocation of values in Nigeria, to what extent has this, awareness necessitated resistance to government policies? This paper therefore investigates how social consciousness has inspired resistance to State policies in Nigeria. Being qualitative in nature it makes use of descriptive analysis and founded on the class analysis theory. The study found out that Struggle for better economic conditions has increased class consciousness and resistance to exploitative state policies through strikes and demonstrations. They have also given credence that deprivation, alienation, exclusion and poverty seek expression. There is also the need to engage and address cries of marginalization through dialogue and visible action. Economic policies of government should also be examined and measured from their inclusiveness and sustainability.
Key words: Social Consciousness, State Policies.
I. INTRODUCTION
One of the most obvious implications of modern state is gradual but steady polarization of the society into two main groups; one miserably poor and the other massively rich. Though this scenario is not limited only to Nigeria, but what perhaps makes her case particularly worse is the growing amount of resentment and hatred that the overwhelming majority poor feel towards the microscopic minority rich in the society. This polarization manifests itself in all situations. Class struggle as a social reality of Nigeria’s economic development is here construed from three points of view.
First, the past transformation of Nigeria from communalism modes to the present neocolonial capitalist system has in fact empirically involved class struggles. Second, the current demand in the country for genuine development as opposed to