Karl Marx Sociology

You may have heard of Marxism; it is one of the key sociological theories you will cover over the course of your studies. Marxism grew out of the ideas of Karl Marx, a 19th-century theorist whose theories are still vital to the study of sociology, economics, history, and numerous other subjects.

• We will explore some of Karl Marx’s major contributions to sociology.
• We will explore Karl Marx’s influence on the development of Marxism.
• Furthermore, we will explore theorists who do not agree with the theories of Karl Marx.

Karl Marx argues that the ruling class exploits the working class through harsh working conditions and long hours. This ensures the ruling class makes a profit. Unsplash.com

Karl Marx's sociology: contributions

The theoretical perspective of Marxism grew out of the theories, writings and ideas of Karl Marx, a 19th-century theorist (born in modern-day Germany in 1818). His theories are still vital to the study of sociology, economics, history and numerous other subjects today. Karl Marx wrote during a time of rapid social change, often referred to as the Industrial Revolution.

What is the Industrial Revolution?

Across Western Europe, particularly in England and Germany, the Industrial Revolution refers to a time when once agricultural societies were transformed into industrial urban working areas. The time period sees the birth of railways, factories and a push for rights in most areas of society.

The effects of the industrial revolution are still felt, and it should be remembered that the changes of that period affected Marx as he wrote.

Today, Marx's theories are widely popular, and his ideas have been developed and modernised to be applicable to contemporary society.

Karl Marx’s sociology: conflict theory

The sociology which Karl Marx has contributed to sociology is known as a conflict theory. Conflict theories believe societies are in constant states of conflict, as they are in competition. Marxists and neo-Marxists alike are conflict theories.

Another sociological perspective that is referred to as a conflict theory is Feminism.

Karl Marx's main ideas in sociology

Karl Marx’s contributions to sociology have largely been drawn from his literature. Throughout his life, Marx was a keen writer, publishing The Communist Manifesto, Capital Vol 1., Capital V.2, and other texts. The theories expressed in his literature have been utilised to explore and explain current events through the theoretical lens of Marxism.

Theorists who align with Marxist theory refer to themselves as Marxists, or neo-Marxists. The terms are often used interchangeably, although the ideas may vary.

So, what is the theory which was developed in Karl Marx's literature? What is Marxism?

Production in a capitalist society

Marxist theory departs from the mode of production in capitalist societies, which refers to the way goods are made. The mode of production is broken down into two further sections: the means of production and the social relations of production.

In capitalist society, there are two social classes. Let's look at these now.

The bourgeoisie are the owners of the means of production. Factories are a good example of the means of production. Unsplash.com

Social classes under capitalist society

The classes which are present in a society depend on the epoch (time period) in which you’re living. According to Marx, we live in the capitalist epoch and within this epoch, there are a number of social classes.

We will run through the definitions of these social classes before delving into further Marxist theory.

The bourgeoisie

The bourgeoisie is those who own the means of production. They are the large business owners, royals, oligarchs and aristocrats. This level can be understood as the ruling capitalist class, or 1% of the population. They also own private property and pass it down to their heirs.

This is one of the two main social classes in capitalist society.

The proletariat

The proletariat consists of the workers who make up most of society's labour force. This social class must sell its labour to survive. It is the second main social class in capitalist society.

The petite bourgeoisie

The petite bourgeoisie comprises the small business owners and is the lower level of the bourgeoisie. Those belonging to this level still work, but are likely to also employ a certain number of individuals.

The lumpenproletariat

The lumpenproletariat can be considered as the underclass, the unemployables who make up the lowest level of society. They were often referred to as 'dropouts' as they sometimes sold their services to the bourgeoisie. Marx argued that the revolutionary spirit would arise from this group.

Class struggle

Marxism is a conflict theory; therefore, most of the following theories will focus on the exploitative relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.

Marx that argues the bourgeoisie, or those who own the means of production, are motivated to exploit the proletariat. The more the bourgeoisie exploits the proletariat, the larger their profits and fortunes will be. The basis of the relationship between the social classes is exploitation.

As time goes on, the gap between the classes would grow. The petty bourgeoisie would struggle to compete against big companies, and so individuals of this class would sink into the proletariat. Society would also divide 'into two great hostile camps'. The class differences which develop would exacerbate class conflict.

Marx’s theory concludes by summarising that the only way for the proletariat to truly free themselves from oppression is to bring about a revolution and replace capitalism with communism. We would move from the capitalist epoch into the communist epoch, which would be ‘classless’ and free of exploitation and private ownership.

Karl Marx's impact on sociology

Karl Marx has had a large impact on sociology. Marxist theories can be found in nearly every sociological area. Consider the following outlines:

Marxist theory in education

Bowles & Gintis argue that the education system reproduces a class of workers for the capitalist system. Children are socialised into accepting that the class system is normal and inevitable.

Marxist theory on the family

Eli Zaretsky argues that the family serves the needs of capitalist society by allowing women to carry out unpaid labour. He also claims that the family serves the needs of capitalist society by purchasing expensive goods and services, which ultimately helps the capitalist economy.

Marxist theory on crime

Marxists argue that consumerism and materialism form the basis for most criminal activities in capitalist society. Proletariat crimes are targeted, whilst bourgeoisie crimes (such as fraud and tax evasion) are overlooked.

Criticisms of Karl Marx

Not all theorists agree with Karl Marx. Two notable theorists who did not agree with Marx are Max Weber and Émile Durkheim.

Below, we will explore both theorists in greater detail.

Max Weber

Max Weber is another German theorist pivotal to the study of sociology. Weber agrees with Marx that property ownership is one of the biggest dividers in society. However, Weber does not agree with the view that class divisions are primarily based on economics.

Weber argues that along with class, status and power are also important in society.

Consider a doctor as an example. A doctor may be of higher status than a businessman in wider society due to the prestige associated with the position, even if the businessman is wealthier.

Weber was intrigued by how different groups exerted power in society.

Émile Durkheim

Durkheim is another theorist that does not agree with Karl Marx. Durkheim, a functionalist, has a more positive view of society. He argued that each part of society functions like a body, working together to ensure success. Society is ultimately harmonious and functioning.

For example, the education system prepares the future lawyers of the criminal justice system who work to protect human rights and small business issues. It also prepares the doctors of the future. The whole of society cannot, and should not, be understood through the lens of economics.

Other criticisms of Karl Marx

Critics argue that Marx focuses too heavily on social class and overlooks other social divisions in society. For example, women and people of colour have different experiences of capitalist society than a White man.