This essay seeks to compare and contrast Weber and Karl Marx’s theories of human relations, social organization and social development. Ideally, we shall begin by treating the similarities followed by the differences in Weber and Marx’s theories thereafter a conclusion shall be drawn.
To start with, both Marx and Weber agree that the ownership of class is virtually linked with markets. The ownership versus non- ownership of the property is the most important basis of class division in a competitive market. Secondly, Marx and Weber agree that economic power is the predominant form of power especially in the capital world (Bakke, 1959).
Ultimately, Weber disagrees with Marx on the issue that the classes are dichotomous meaning two classes opposed to each other. Amongst the identified property classes are the ownership and the acquisition classes, the kind of services that can be offered to the market for returns. The first is called the renter classes while the latter is called the commercial classes. Likewise amongst the propertyless classes, Weber identifies different classes according to the type and degree of monopolization or marketable skills which they possess. Consequently, in Weber’s analysis we find that various types of middle classes which stand between positively privileged class and the negatively privileged classes. Those who possessed skills having a definite market value are certainly in a different class situation from those who have nothing to offer on the market. In view of this, we notice the importance of education ( Weber, 1947).
Further, in relation to the analysis of classes, Weber disagree with marx on the question of contradictions or class conflicts. Weber argues that the classes within themselves compete for interests whereas Marx argues that the classes compete with each other for thne common interest. However, according to Marx the classes compete with each other the class members would ultimately unite against the enemy....