Marxism is a critical theoretical and methodological approach originating from the work of Karl Marx, which analyzes social, economic, and political phenomena through the lens of historical materialism and class struggle. As an academic concept and research field, it investigates the dynamics of capitalist production, power relations, and societal transformation, emphasizing the role of economic structures in shaping history and consciousness. Its significance lies in providing a foundational framework for understanding social inequality, labor relations, ideology, and historical change across various disciplines within the social sciences.