Marx vs Weber | Max Weber vs Karl Mark philosophies
There was a difference between the thoughts, actions, opinions, etc. of Marx and Weber. Marx and Weber were the chief contributors to sociology in more than one way. They are part of the holy trio in sociology. They approached the problems of social class and inequality differently. The theories presented by Marx and Weber had a great impact on the development of sociological thought. Through this article let us examine the differences between the philosophies of Karl Marx and Max Weber.
Who is Karl Marx?
Karl Marx was born in Germany in 1818. He was not only a sociologist but also an economist and a philosopher as well. He was interested and influenced by Hegelian ideals of the time. His idea of society takes a conflict approach. He believed that the economy is the most powerful social institution in the society, which can create and sustain social stratification. According to his theory of social class, there are only two classes. They are the haves and the have-nots. Means of production is the yardstick to estimate a class according to the philosophy of Marx.
In the eyes of Karl Marx, there exists exploitation in each society. However, through a revolution or else a conflict this society transforms itself into a new one. He considered this a mode of production. For instance, the Feudal society underwent gradual transformation into an industrial society. Landowners differentiated themselves from the peasants in the feudal society. On the other hand, factory owners were differentiated from the laborers. They all contributed, according to Marx, to production in the economy of a country.
Karl Marx felt that certain categories of workers did not contribute at all to the production in the economy, and they include scribes, information dealers, and civil servants. In fact, not all of them made the classes. This is the main philosophy of Marx. The struggle between the owners and the workers if at all was there declined on its accord gradually. Marx predicted that there would be a revolution in industrial societies.
Who is Max Weber?
Max Weber was born in 1864 in Germany. Max Weber saw class as based on three important factors, namely, wealth, power, and prestige. Weber’s society has several layers in it. The perception of different layers of the society eased out tensions between certain groups such as owners and workers according to the philosophy of Weber.
Unlike Marx, who predicted that there would be a revolution in industrial societies, Weber made no such predictions. This is because he could see many layers of a society. Therefore, the tensions prevailing between owners and workers did not figure out much according to his philosophy. On the other hand, the philosophy of Marx saw communist revolutions too. This was also not perceived by Weber. His idea of social stratification goes beyond wealth and is multi-dimensional. These are the main differences between Marx and Weber.
What is the difference between Marx and Weber?
• Social Stratification:
• Both Marx and Weber presented theories of social stratification which are different from one another.
• Class:
• Means of production is the yardstick to estimate a class according to the philosophy of Marx.
• According to Max Weber, a class is based on three important factors, namely, wealth, power, and prestige.
• Number of Classes:
• According to Marx there are only two classes, but it is not so for Weber.
• Revolutions:
• The philosophy of Marx saw communist revolutions.
• This was not the case for Weber.
• Improving Social Class:
• Improving one’s social class can only be achieved through wealth according to Marx.
• Weber believes that power and prestige are also key factors in this.
Images Courtesy: Marx and Weber via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
