Marxist theory - Definition and Overview

Marxist theory is an academic specialization in Western academias. Apart from the theories of Karl Marx it describes the theories of a number of thinkers like Theodor Adorno, Walter Benjamin, Louis Althusser, Antonio Gramsci, etc.

Difference between Marxism and marxist theory

Marxism is a political ideology whereas marxist theory is more about the economic/philosophic work of Karl Marx and his successors.

There is overlap of course, but marxist theory is e.g. rather associated with Continental philosophy and Critical theory than Marxism.

On the other hand Dialectic materialism is rather associated with Marxism and in particular Stalinism, than with marxist theory. Dialectics in marxist theory (i.e. materialist dialectics or marxist dialectics) is rather seen as a historical next step after Hegelian dialectic. Historical materialism is also associated with Marxism, rather than marxist theory.