Study
Karl Marx
1818-1883 by Dr. Frank Elwell
Note:
This presentation is based on the theories of Karl Marx as presented in his books listed in the bibliography. A more complete summary of Marx’s theories (as well as the theories of other macrotheorists) can be found in Macrosociology: The Study of Sociocultural Systems, by Frank W. Elwell. If you would like to receive a .pdf file of the chapter on Marx please write me at felwell@rsu.edu and put Marx.pdf in the subject line.
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
KARL MARX
Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a socialist theoretician and organizer, a major figure in the history of economic and philosophical thought, and a great social prophet.
KARL MARX
Personally, I like to call him the last of the old Testament prophets. He basically prophesized that man would someday create a paradise on earth. That we would all someday live in brotherhood, sharing our talents and our wealth.
KARL MARX
But in this presentation we will focus on his role as a sociological theorist. His writings have had an enormous impact on all of the social sciences, but particularly upon sociology.
Major Intellectual Contributions:
1. Elaboration of the conflict model of society, specifically the theory of social change based upon antagonisms between social classes; 2. The insight that power originates primarily in economic production; and 3. His concern with the social origins of alienation.
Social Evolution
Marx’s vision was based on an evolutionary point of departure. Society was comprised of a moving balance of antithetical forces that generate social change by their tension and struggle.
Social Evolution
Struggle, rather than peaceful growth, was the engine of progress; strife was the father of all things, and social conflict was the core of the historical process.
Forces of Production
Marx believed that the basis of the social order in every society is the production of economic goods. What is produced, how it is produced, and how
1818-1883 by Dr. Frank Elwell
Note:
This presentation is based on the theories of Karl Marx as presented in his books listed in the bibliography. A more complete summary of Marx’s theories (as well as the theories of other macrotheorists) can be found in Macrosociology: The Study of Sociocultural Systems, by Frank W. Elwell. If you would like to receive a .pdf file of the chapter on Marx please write me at felwell@rsu.edu and put Marx.pdf in the subject line.
FRIEDRICH ENGELS
KARL MARX
Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a socialist theoretician and organizer, a major figure in the history of economic and philosophical thought, and a great social prophet.
KARL MARX
Personally, I like to call him the last of the old Testament prophets. He basically prophesized that man would someday create a paradise on earth. That we would all someday live in brotherhood, sharing our talents and our wealth.
KARL MARX
But in this presentation we will focus on his role as a sociological theorist. His writings have had an enormous impact on all of the social sciences, but particularly upon sociology.
Major Intellectual Contributions:
1. Elaboration of the conflict model of society, specifically the theory of social change based upon antagonisms between social classes; 2. The insight that power originates primarily in economic production; and 3. His concern with the social origins of alienation.
Social Evolution
Marx’s vision was based on an evolutionary point of departure. Society was comprised of a moving balance of antithetical forces that generate social change by their tension and struggle.
Social Evolution
Struggle, rather than peaceful growth, was the engine of progress; strife was the father of all things, and social conflict was the core of the historical process.
Forces of Production
Marx believed that the basis of the social order in every society is the production of economic goods. What is produced, how it is produced, and how
Bibliography: • Marx, K. 1964b. Early Writings. (T. B. Bottomore, Trans. and Ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill.