Marx’ and Weber’s Interpretation of the “Modern” World

Topic 

Marx’ and Weber’s interpretation of the “Modern” World

Instructions 

Essay Title:
Analyze and compare the ways in which Marx and Weber described and interpreted the ‘modern’ world. USE THE ATTACHED BOOK.

Structure:

1. A) Introduction: outline, brief plan. (150 Words) – NEEDED EARLY 10pm 16 Nov 2016
2. B) Marx’s general theory: materialism and class conflict. (300 Words)
3. C) Marx’s modernity: capitalism, workers, and revolution. (300 Words)
4. D) Weber’s general theory: individualism and action. (300 Words)
5. E) Weber’s modernity: rationalization in many areas (the economy, politics, religion, etc.). (300 Words)

F) Conclusion: summary, assessment, relevance. (150 Words

Answer preview 

Karl Marx believed in the material world and argued that the structures of capitalism, where the people who owned the factors of production were connected with the working class on a dependency level was the source of the myriad problems facing humanity (Ritzer, 2010). The pursuit of materialism, in which more value was attached to material possessions and property, rather than spiritual sanctity, had resulted in class conflict. Materialism created a rift between the people in possession of wealth and the working class. As a result, the workers belonged to a lesser social class as compared to the owners of wealth and industries.  In view of the tenets of capitalism, the workers had to work hard for a small compensation (Vlachou, 1993).

Word Count: 1800