Western Marxism is a branch of Marxist thought that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in Europe. It focuses on the cultural and ideological aspects of society, emphasizing the importance of culture, psychology, and human experience in understanding capitalism. Key figures include Georg Lukács, Antonio Gramsci, and the Frankfurt School, who critiqued traditional Marxism for its economic determinism. Unlike classical Marxism, which prioritizes economic factors, Western Marxism explores how ideology and culture shape social relations and consciousness. It seeks to understand how power dynamics operate beyond mere economic structures, highlighting the role of hegemony and alienation in contemporary society.