According to Little (n.d), Karl Marx's critical sociology theory posits that the key determinant of society
formation and social interactions, at any period, is the result of a consistent and coordinated opposition
to the class structures and power inequalities that exist, and the experiences that shape and inform this
opposition. Additional source, Katz (1993), asserts that not only did Marx's theory hypothesize
correlations between class struggles and ensuing societal formation, but also in extension demonstrated
that class and power inequality can take many different forms, yet once they remain in effect, that
society should reflect that of a force that opposes their impact and further inequalities.
Whilst I personally believe that a more eclectic approach to society as a whole and the individual needs
to be achieved as a means of societal evolution (yes, I also believe society will continue to evolve), the
merits to Marx's assertions are evidentiary, and to an extent almost inevitable, due to the resilience of
power and class formations. A food for thought is, that though society is perceived as the force that
seeks to oppose this exploitatory regime, that this power and class struggle has not been defeated and
moreso, what would guide society if power/class inequalities cease to exist? Regardless, in further
exploration of "Karl Marx on the Transition from Feudalism to Capitalism" (Katz, 1993), there was ample
demonstration of the recurring relationship between the power class and their subordinates, whom
they almost inevitably exploit and how this imbalance informed innovations, beliefs and norms and to
an extent, the notion of rebelling.
I believe Marx's contribution to sociology provided a much needed platform to explore a shared reality
and despite a less than desired, strong scientific method applied then, there are still opportunities for
this to be done. Aside from this ongoing pandemic which has exposed many predatory health
practices, where profit supersedes the ability to save lives, all lives; in my own country and in various
ways, the prevalence of power and class form key societal divergences. Regrettably though, my society
as I perceive it is not an existence wholly committed to unseating the power inequalities in place; in this
case, power and leadership are separate notions. As a society, power and class are correlated, and thus
the experience lived may only be used as a generalization for the class observed but not that of the
entirety of society’s structure.
In a way, power and class separators are embedded in the function of my society. It can be construed
that the mere functionality of the individuals in my country serves towards the whole of the system it
was designed to create and sustain, similar to assertions on positivists, where inherently a human must
serve a function or be labeled a social deviance, (Little, n.d), regardless of the benefits to that particular
individual or the constraints this may predispose on that individual. The powers that be can change, but
the power's mere existence means that there is not an equitable approach or foundation to the way
forward of society, which I believe is the elephant in the room in the conversation of society and who/
what informs it.
In closing, I believe Marx's contribution to sociology is just as valid as others' contributions. I am of the
opinion that all are valid, I find relatability in all of theories I've encountered so far, and thus I believe
this informs the constant evolution of the discipline. I would develop on Marx's theory in some respects
and include equality and equity as the accountability measures for assessing power structures in a
society and thus making them more equitable. The opportunities should be available to all, and thus
constraints and benefits alike should be shared equally, as each individual is recognized as the equals
they inherently are.
References:
formation and social interactions, at any period, is the result of a consistent and coordinated opposition
to the class structures and power inequalities that exist, and the experiences that shape and inform this
opposition. Additional source, Katz (1993), asserts that not only did Marx's theory hypothesize
correlations between class struggles and ensuing societal formation, but also in extension demonstrated
that class and power inequality can take many different forms, yet once they remain in effect, that
society should reflect that of a force that opposes their impact and further inequalities.
Whilst I personally believe that a more eclectic approach to society as a whole and the individual needs
to be achieved as a means of societal evolution (yes, I also believe society will continue to evolve), the
merits to Marx's assertions are evidentiary, and to an extent almost inevitable, due to the resilience of
power and class formations. A food for thought is, that though society is perceived as the force that
seeks to oppose this exploitatory regime, that this power and class struggle has not been defeated and
moreso, what would guide society if power/class inequalities cease to exist? Regardless, in further
exploration of "Karl Marx on the Transition from Feudalism to Capitalism" (Katz, 1993), there was ample
demonstration of the recurring relationship between the power class and their subordinates, whom
they almost inevitably exploit and how this imbalance informed innovations, beliefs and norms and to
an extent, the notion of rebelling.
I believe Marx's contribution to sociology provided a much needed platform to explore a shared reality
and despite a less than desired, strong scientific method applied then, there are still opportunities for
this to be done. Aside from this ongoing pandemic which has exposed many predatory health
practices, where profit supersedes the ability to save lives, all lives; in my own country and in various
ways, the prevalence of power and class form key societal divergences. Regrettably though, my society
as I perceive it is not an existence wholly committed to unseating the power inequalities in place; in this
case, power and leadership are separate notions. As a society, power and class are correlated, and thus
the experience lived may only be used as a generalization for the class observed but not that of the
entirety of society’s structure.
In a way, power and class separators are embedded in the function of my society. It can be construed
that the mere functionality of the individuals in my country serves towards the whole of the system it
was designed to create and sustain, similar to assertions on positivists, where inherently a human must
serve a function or be labeled a social deviance, (Little, n.d), regardless of the benefits to that particular
individual or the constraints this may predispose on that individual. The powers that be can change, but
the power's mere existence means that there is not an equitable approach or foundation to the way
forward of society, which I believe is the elephant in the room in the conversation of society and who/
what informs it.
In closing, I believe Marx's contribution to sociology is just as valid as others' contributions. I am of the
opinion that all are valid, I find relatability in all of theories I've encountered so far, and thus I believe
this informs the constant evolution of the discipline. I would develop on Marx's theory in some respects
and include equality and equity as the accountability measures for assessing power structures in a
society and thus making them more equitable. The opportunities should be available to all, and thus
constraints and benefits alike should be shared equally, as each individual is recognized as the equals
they inherently are.
References:
