According to these texts, the market is seen by economists as a realm of freedom and equality where economic contributions are evaluated and rewarded without fear or bias. However, this ideal version of the market is not the reality, as it is characterized by monopolies, oligopolies, collusion, and bought political influence. Marxism argues that democracy and freedom do not require the participation of all individuals, and the market is used by owners to pacify society with notions of equality. For Marx, the ultimate goal is a classless society with economic equality, but this recognition of inequality undermines any attempt to reduce his overall ethical judgments to critiques of prevailing ideas. The idea of a "free" market is debunked by Marx, who believed that market prices diverge due to monopolistic practices. He also sees the market as inherently alienating and exploitative, leading to an egoistic and asocial society.