What did Karl Marx believe could lead to revolutionary change?

Karl Marx believed that class consciousness, which refers to the awareness of one's social class and the conflicts it experiences with other classes, was crucial for revolutionary change. He argued that when the working class (proletariat) becomes aware of its exploitation and the overarching class structures that benefit the ruling class (bourgeoisie), it can lead to an organized movement striving for social and economic equity. This realization empowers the proletariat to unite and challenge the existing capitalist system, ultimately leading to revolutionary change.

This concept emphasizes the importance of collective awareness and solidarity among the working classes as a catalyst for challenging oppression and initiating systemic transformations. Understanding one's position within the social hierarchy facilitates mobilization, inspiring collective action that can disrupt the status quo and create the conditions necessary for revolution.