Class Struggle (board game)

Class struggle box

Class Struggle board game's box (back cover).

Class Struggle game's board.

Class Struggle is a board game designed to teach the concepts of Marxism, class struggle, and capitalism. The game was created by Bertell Ollman, a professor of political science at New York University, who sought to design a game that could embody the theoretical principles of Karl Marx in an engaging and accessible way. First introduced in 1978, Class Struggle reflects the dynamics of social classes and their conflicts within a capitalist society.

Gameplay

In Class Struggle, players assume the roles of different social classes, ranging from the Capitalists and Workers to the Small Business Owners, Farmers, Professionals, and Students. The objective of the game is to advance the interests of your class through strategic moves and alliances, ultimately aiming to lead a successful revolution or to accumulate wealth and power, depending on the player's class.

The game board represents a simplified society, with spaces and paths designated for various economic and social activities. Players move their pieces around the board based on the roll of dice, encountering different events, challenges, and opportunities that reflect real-world class struggles. Cards drawn during the game can represent economic booms or recessions, political movements, class-based actions, and other events that affect the players' progress.

Educational Objectives

Class Struggle is designed not only as entertainment but also as an educational tool. Through gameplay, participants are exposed to the concepts of exploitation, alienation, and the inherent conflicts between different social classes under capitalism. The game encourages players to think critically about the structure of society and the forces that shape our lives.

Reception

Since its release, Class Struggle has received a mixed reception. Supporters praise the game for its innovative approach to education and its ability to simplify complex theories into an engaging format. Critics, however, argue that the game may oversimplify the nuances of Marx's theories or that it presents a biased view of capitalism and class relations.

Legacy

Despite its controversies, Class Struggle has maintained a cult following and is considered a pioneering example of politically themed board games. It has inspired subsequent generations of game designers to explore social and political themes in their work. The game remains a unique artifact of its time, reflecting the political and educational aspirations of its creator.

See Also

• Monopoly
• The Game of Life
• Risk
• Settlers of Catan