Base and Superstructure

In historical materialism, "Base" refers to the economic structure of society, including the means of production (like factories and tools) and the relationships between people in these economic activities. "Superstructure," on the other hand, encompasses the cultural, political, and ideological aspects, such as laws, education, and religion. The idea is that the Base influences the Superstructure; for example, the way we produce goods shapes our culture and values. As economic conditions change, so does the Superstructure, leading to shifts in society, politics, and culture over time.