A Comparison of Marx and Durkheim's Theories of the Structure of Modern Society

Introductory Essay: Marx and Durkheim There was once a time when the societies of the world were nothing more than a ruling class and a class that was ruled. In these feudal societies classes were set. There was little chance for a member of the ruling bourgeoisie class to cross over to the oppressed proletariat class or from the proletariat class to the bourgeoisie class. Every individual within each class had the routine for each …

…They have both presented ways in which we can view and analyze our societies and the crucial elements of them. Whether we focus our theories of society on conflict or integration, class stratification or solidarity, exploitation of labour or norms and values, we have much to compare and contrast to. Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim have presented much thought, two views to think about and work around. Today’s modern societies owe much to them!