Abstract
Sociology is a field of science that has influenced the society to a large extent with the upcoming knowledge developed by modern academic theorists. This paper aims at discussing the significant contribution in sociology made by such a famous theorist as Karl Max. This paper aims at looking and describing the classical theory that he developed and provides evidence supporting my choice of the theorist and his outstanding contribution in the field of sociology.
Introduction
In sociological context, theories play a pivotal role in trying to understand the society and their behaviors per se. Yvonne Vissing (2011) discusses various leading theorists and their significant contributions in the field of sociology.
These theorists include Karl Marx, C. Wright, Howard Becker, W.I. Thomas, Harret Martineau among others. According to Laura Desfor Edles and Scott Appelrouth (2010), to understand one’s contribution in development of the sociology, one ought to read his or her writings to comprehend the ideas behind the theory. Karl’s theory bases on the context that “the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles” (Adorno, 2000).
Marx’s work influenced not only the students, but also other scholars who found his work distinct. An outstanding example is Though Veblen who embraced Marxists models of society and social change (Desfor Edles, & Appelrouth, 2010).
Karl Marx theory
Though Karl Marx never considered himself a sociologist, his work contributed to the promotion of critical thinking, considerably in this field. On critical analysis of Marx’s view, since the emergence of the human society formed its primitive and relatively undifferentiated state, it was and remains fundamentally divided between the classes that fight in pursuit of class interests (Vissing, 2011).
Focusing on the world of capitalism, for example, the inner core of the capitalist system, the source, is the main locus of rivalry between classes, buyers and sellers of labor power as well as exploiters and the exploited rather than functional collaboration (Adorno, 2000). The interests and emanating confrontations of struggle for power pave way for self wake and, according to Marx, are the central determinants of social and historical process.
It is truly normal in the society to find individuals associating in line with class and positions in the society. Marx argues that the relationships between men become shaped by their relative positions with regard to the means of production (Vissing, 2011). This can be termed as being through their differential access to scarce resources and scarce power. Marx further argues that under all circumstances, unequal access to power ought not lead to vigorous class struggle (Desfor Edles, & Appelrouth, 2010).
The important aspect of Marx’s classical theory is in the ways in which specific positions within the structures of the society contribute to determining the social experiences of their incumbents, inclining them to actions geared towards improving their combined fortune (Adorno, 2000). Critically looking at behavior change with regard to development, individuals tend to change relative to the positions they achieve in their lives. This results in differentiation and potent class conflicts of interests within persons and groups in society.
Reasons for chosing the theorist
The contributions made by classical theories in expounding sociological concepts reflected the uprising and development of the world in the nineteenth century. The theories, to a large extent, brought out the changes experienced in the era. This paper critically looks at Karl Marx’s theory of class due to various reasons discussed below.
Contrary to the utilitarians who embrace self-centeredness as a controller of a pleasant society, Marx observes that individual self-interest among capitalists has a destructive impact on their class interest as a whole, as well as influences the eventual self downfall of capitalism (Vissing, 2011). Conditions of work and the role assigned to every person dispose them to cohesion and overcoming their preliminary competitiveness in favor of combined action of the whole class interests.
Secondly, the contribution to understanding the economy and political systems with regard to capitalism has been enormous Desfor Edles, & Appelrouth, 2010). The work developed by Marx gave rise to activists who believed that revolutionaries must organize sociological change. Marx argues that capitalism is inherently exploitative (Desfor Edles, & Appelrouth, 2010).
His study concerning the rights of the workers contributed substantially to the enhancement of the work of the activists. Therefore, it is critical to state that Marx’s work has considerably influenced the change within the society. With the development of dialectical materialism based on Marx’s work, it has been a fascinating quest to study and understand sociology at a larger context.
Conclusion
With the fascinating and humanizing foundations laid down by theorists in the field of sociology, Karl Marx has considerably emerged with significant impetus and influence in the field. Classical understanding of the behaviors and social structures is the core of this study. The quest for power and sustenance in the society has affected almost all aspects of life. In the process of accessing power, conflicts connected with economic and political issues also arise and affect directly or indirectly the lives of the subjects in the society.
References
Adorno, T. W. (2000). Introduction to sociology. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
Desfor Edles, L., & Appelrouth, S. (2010). Sociological theory in the classical era: Text and readings. California: Sage Publications, Inc.
Vissing, Y. (2011). Introduction to sociology. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.