Discussion on Social Theories: Marx, Durkheim, and Weber

Running head: DISCUSSION ON SOCIAL THEORIES
DISCUSSION ON SOCIAL THEORIES
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1DISCUSSION ON SOCIAL THEORIES
Executive Summary:
The purpose of this discussion is to briefly elaborate the social theories of Karl Marx, Emile
Durkheim, and Max Weber. The theories focus on the transition of the society from the
primitive society to the modern society. The discussion focuses on the various aspects of the
social theories and how they are relative to the modern society. The discussion also includes
the comparison of the philosophies of the three thinkers and ultimately analyze whose theory
is more relevant to the modern society compared to others. Lastly, a conclusion summarises
the overall analysis and determines the outcome of the analysis.

2DISCUSSION ON SOCIAL THEORIES
Table of Contents
Introduction:...............................................................................................................................3
Discussion:.................................................................................................................................4
Karl Marx and the social views:.............................................................................................4
Society according to Emile Durkheim:..................................................................................5
Max Weber and his social theory:..........................................................................................7
Comparing Marx, Durkheim, and Weber:.............................................................................9
Conclusion:..............................................................................................................................11
Reference:................................................................................................................................12

3DISCUSSION ON SOCIAL THEORIES
Introduction:
The term sociology has a very broad conception. The understanding of social behaviors and
the changes in the society, which accordingly affects the socio-economic and political
scenarios of the society, is at the same time both complex and philosophical. When it comes
to such philosophical and complex analysis of the modern day society, the works of three
social thinkers have to be referred. They are namely, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max
Weber. The unfathomable contributions of these social thinkers are so effective and strong
that they have been considered among some of the greatest sociologists of all time. All of
them had a different view of the society and the analysis and comparison of their views is the
purpose of the discussion. Durkheim’s views stressed more on the social facts of a society,
which would be able to highlight the social agendas more properly and ultimately establish
social order. Max Weber, on the other hand, focused more on the human relations with the
society and how it affected the social life. His views were more on the human experiences
and views and how they contributed to the development of a better and sustainable society.
Karl Marx’s theory however differed completely from both of them. His studies on the
historical development of the society and his studies on capitalism and how it has affected the
society and the suggested cure for the society became the pillar of his iconic Marxist theory
which influenced every part of the world at one time or the other. Their contrary nature and
ideas proved their similarity in one aspect, that is, a detailed understanding of the modern-day
emerging society. The prime focus of this discussion is to understand their ideas of the
modern society and how they have explained the transition from the existing society. The
comparison of these analyses can lead to the conclusion who among them had the more
appropriate theory about the modern day society.