Marx, Durkheim, Weber and Sociology

The theoretical works of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber still influence sociological theory. Though their works are decades old they still are a major part of what sociology is today. Though their theories can seem very different, there are some similarities. To become a great sociologist one most learn and understands how to use all sociological perspectives. To do this one must understand and use the different theoretical perspectives created by Marx, Durkheim, and Weber.

Karl Marx theoretical perspective on conflict is by far one the most interesting theories in sociology. Born into a middle class family in Germany, he had a very close relationship with his father. Marx began his studies in law, but switched to philosophy. Hegelian who was a major philosopher at the time had a large influence on Marx theories. Marx rejected many of Hegel’s theory’s, which helped Marx create the concept of conflict theory (Morrison, 2006).

Marx believed that the way to better understand society is by understanding history. He believed that history shows social problems are causes by conflicting sides. Marx combined philosophy, history, and social science to create conflict theory. Marx focused on human inequality, and believed that historical and material obstacles caused social issues (Morrison, 2006). Marx saw that everyone most produce their own economic needs, and this caused the formation of social mechanisms. In short the economy is the reason why we have religion, legality, and politics (Morrison, 2006).

Marx materialist perspective looks at how each individual human most have food, shelter, and clothing to exist (Morrison, 2006). This is what makes us so different from animals, because we are able to create our own economy. W...

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...aint over private enjoyment. Weber also noted this finding in Benjamin Franklin’s teaching, which was very similar to John Calvin (Morrison, 2006). These finding came to be known as the Protestant Work Ethic.

Learning about these theories is the beginning of one’s sociological career. Being able to understand and put to work these theories set up by these three men will make one a better sociologist. One of the most important things a sociologist can do is to take a social issue or event and analyze it by all different perspectives. A great sociologist does not just look at an issue or even from one point of view, but from mutable.

Works Cited

Carl, J. D. (2011). Think Social Problems . Upper Saddle River N.J. : Pearson Education .

Morrison, K. (2006). Marx, Durkheim, Weber Formation of Social Thought (2nd ed.). London, England : SAGE Publications .