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Comparison between Durkheim, Marx and Weber
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- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Comparison between Durkheim, Marx and Weber
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Description of the ModuleItems Description of the Module
Subject Name Sociology
Paper Name Classical Sociological Theory
Module Name/Title Contrasting and Comparing Marx, Weber and
Durkheim – 1
Pre Requisites Classic Theories and Marx, Weber, Durkheim; Western
Capitalism and Social Theories; Comparative Discussion;
Thematic Differences and Similarities
Objectives This module will help to broaden views on thematic
interrelation, commonalities and contradictions of
founding fathers of sociology.
Key words Classic sociological theories, Social Stratification,
Capitalist Economy, Division of Labour, Comparative
analysis, Social structure and function
Module Structure
Contrasting and Comparing Marx, Weber and Introduction; Basic Thoughts and Interrelations;
Durkheim – 1 Class, Status and Social Order; Division of Labour
and The Trio, Capital, Economy and Politics;
Conclusion.
Team Details
Role Name Affiliation
Principal Investigator Prof. Sujata Patel University of Hyderabad
Paper Coordinator Dr. Vishal Jadhav Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapteeth
Pune
Content Writer Ratan Kumar Roy Dept. of Sociology
South Asian University, New Delhi
Content Reviewer Dr. Vishal Jadhav Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapteeth
Pune
Language Editor Dr. Vishal Jadhav Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapteeth
Pune
1
, CLASSICAL SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
Contrasting and Comparing Marx, Weber and Durkheim -1
Part 1
Introduction:
Karl Marx (1818-1883), Max Weber (1864-1920), Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) contributed to build the
base of sociological knowledge which is popularly known as classic sociological theory. Their involvement
with social changes and transformation from mid-nineteen to early twentieth century grasp the core
issues of human existence and development. In the time span of emerging modern social theory the
influential and leading contribution came from these three thinkers. That is not the only point why a
comparative discussion among Marx, Weber and Durkheim is needed, but also the common ground they
have chosen to develop their theories needs to be acknowledged. They discussed about human history,
society, politics, economics and culture in an interconnected manner. They show and reveal this
connection of individual and society which becomes the interior of practicing sociology. Hence, reading
about the founding fathers of sociology Marx, Weber and Durkheim is necessary to acquiring knowledge
about social theories and apply them in social problems (Visvanathan 2011). Furthermore the
contradictions and conversation among them regarding human world and social changes allow us to
examine any sociological issue with a critical viewpoint.
This module will help us to know about the commonalities of these three thinkers and their works. How
they have seen the social system and human culture? How their ideas become contradictory as well as
complementary to each other in some point? What are the basic points to contrast the theoretical
schemes they have given? What are the shortcomings for each of them to define and describe human
society? By comparing Marx, Weber and Durkheim and discussing how their views are contrasting, this
module will answer these questions.
Marx’s theory based on social critique and conflict, wherein Durkheim emphasizes on social factors.
Weber believes social relation shaped by politics, economics and culture and individual act has subjective
meaning. To talk about human life, act, behavior, and formulation of human society all of them have taken
a strongly defined position. In Marx’s view, “The first historical act is… the production of material life itself.
This is indeed a historical act, a fundamental condition of all history” (Marx 1964: 60). Taking this
understanding in foci, he develops the idea of historical materialism. He goes on talking about human
basic needs and the dissatisfaction that leads to new needs. The production of new needs is the first
2
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