A Comparison of Marx and Durkheim - 1217 Words

A Comparison of Marx and Durkheim s Theories of the Structure of Modern Society Introductory Essay: Marx and Durkheim There was once a time when the societies of the world were nothing more than a ruling class and a class that was ruled. In these feudal societies classes were set. There was little chance for a member of the ruling bourgeoisie class to cross over to the oppressed proletariat class or from the proletariat class to the bourgeoisie class. Every individual within each class had the routine for each day set out for him or her. There was little change in the lives of individuals of these societies. There was monotony in their work and their work did little more for them than keeping them alive. In those societies,†¦show more content†¦After determining what resulted from modernization, Durkheim unlike Marx was interested in reforming not eliminating modern society. In analyzing Durkheim’s theory of modern society, I will begin with the focal point of it, namely solidarity. With modernization and industrialization, labour became increasingly specialized. Before this in the pre- modern societies, all workers did almost the same work in order to sustain themselves. These workers shared social cohesion base on similarity and commonality among themselves. This ‘mechanical solidarity’ was soon replaced by ‘organic solidarity’. With organic solidarity social cohesion was based on each individual’s dependence on every other in the society for survival. (The Emile Durkheim Archive, Solidarity) With the transition from Feudalism to Capitalism came a different set of norms and values by which to live. The transition from old to modern society was a very complex and relatively quick one. The people had to adapt to this quick and unclear change of the society. Because the transition was very difficult to make, many people lost their way in between. They became confused. The peoples’ state of confusion according to Durkheim is termed anomie. In order to combat anomie Durkheim asserts that people turn to religion. Religion for Durkheim was not divinely inspired but was simply a set of collective beliefs that shaped norms and values, norms and values that shapedShow MoreRelatedComparison of Marx, Durkheim and Weber1622 Words   |  7 PagesResponse Paper #1 Marx, Weber, Durkheim, introducing the godfathers of sociology. Three of the most influential theorists that are debated on and about till our present time. How have three very different individuals in history have maintained the template as we know it to understanding society, which has been over three centuries old? How is it that three different worlds and times in history, has had such familiarization not only for their respected times but a revelation to today’s systems andRead More Comparisons of the Ontological Positions of Marx, Durkheim and Weber836 Words   |  3 Pages Comparisons of the ontological positions of Marx, Durkheim and Weber. Presenting any comparisons of Marx, Durkheim and Weber necessitates a homogeneous delineation of ontology. Megill (2002) defined ontology as â€Å"the field of investigation that attempts to arrive at conclusions regarding the fundamental nature of reality† (Megill 2002, p.38), and it is this definition that will delineate the positioning of these theorists. Karl Marx represented a pragmatic and practical positioning that identifiedRead MoreComparison Between Karl Marx And Emile Durkheim1501 Words   |  7 Pagestheorists as found in Chapter 1 of the course text. (300-400 words) The two theorists i’ve decided to compare and contrast are Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim. Firstly i’ll compare them to one another. From all the readings I did and past education on these individuals I found they have a lot of the same views in regards to religion. Both Emlie Durkheim and Karl Marx believe that religion is a projection of mans hopes and desires. 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The essay will begin by providing a brief introduction into the two perspectives of Functionalism and Marxism, focusing on the theories of the French Sociologist Emile Durkheim and the German philosopher Karl Marx. Then it will give a brief discussion showing the transformation that took place from feudalism to capitalism, providing the reader with an insight into the dramatic change that took place during a time of revolution and revoltRead MoreAnalysis of Marx, Weber, and Durkheims Views Essay1223 Words   |  5 PagesThe sociological views of  the three founding fathers; Karl Marx,  Max Weber, and  Emile Durkheim  all assert that various aspects of our lifestyle are fully a product of the society in which we live. Each theorist views the impact of society and its manifestation of our identity in a different way. All three of these men used the Industrial Revolution  and capitalism to shape their theories of social identity, especially the identity created by capitalisms division of labor; the owners of the meansRead MoreMarx And Durkheim s Theory Of Social Inequality955 Words   |  4 Pagespresent in sociological works dating back as far as early 18th century in the works of Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim. Centuries later, theoretical foundations of both Marx and Durkheim can be readily applied to social inequality in the context of present day Canada. Durkheim’s theory is founded in analyzing how societies function by focusing on the ideas of the division of labour, merit and functionalism. Marx on the other hand, views society as divided into social classes of bourgeoisie and proletariatsRead MoreMarx And Durkheim s Theory Of Social Inequality933 Words   |  4 PagesTheoretical foundations of both Marx and Durkheim can be readily applied to social inequality in the context of present day Canada. 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We will be giving you tips on how to improve yourRead MoreKarl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim offered differing perspectives on the role of religion. Choose the theorist whose insights you prefer and theorists views over the others.991 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim offered differing perspectives on the role of religion. Choose the theorist whose insights you prefer and outline how they perceived religion operating socially. Discuss why you chose your preferred theorists views over the others. Marx, Durkheim and Weber each had different sociological views of the role and function of Religion. My preferred theorists view’s on Religion is Karl Marx’s as I feel his ideas are more relevant