College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department of Social Sciences
Comparative Sociology
SOC-374-501-SPRING2020-CRN:20485
Research Project Proposal
Khawla Ibrahim
201711551
Spring 2020
Research project proposal: (20%)
Title: Theoretical Study Karl Max Vs. Max Weber: Attitudes Towards Capitalism
- Main concepts of my study.
- Capitalism and the exploitation of people
- The spirit of capitalism
- The social theory
- Leadership and capitalism
- Research problem
My research focuses on understanding the differences between the two ideologies of capitalism, as presented by Karl Marx and Max Weber. The problem will focus on understanding the differences between their two concepts. Max Weber is considered anti-Karl Marx. However, various similarities are shared between their two ideas, thus requiring the need to thoroughly analyze and understand the critical aspects associated with their principles. For instance, both have presented their contributions to the social theory (Menand, 2016). However, it is vital to understand how these concepts are influenced by perception and not by the underlying factual influence on socialism and capitalism. Therefore, most of the recorded statements are more on individual opinion from analysis of both works and not their original ideas. This statement thus complicates our problem in trying to understand whether there are any underlying similarities and differences in the concepts of capitalism. Therefore, the question presented in the paper will be cyclical in the fact that it will not only analyze these underlying factors but also examine them in such a manner that the absurdity of both Karl Marx’s and Max Weber’s concepts on re
- Research questions.
The research questions will come from the problem. In order to create relevant and valid research questions, focus will be on the research problems identified. Precise analysis should be made on each issue and any proper explanations arising from a challenge to ensure that the questions are effectively tackled and analyzed by the paper. The following are the research questions that will allow for proper analysis of the paper
- What are the similarities between Karl Marx and Max Weber?
- What are the differences between Karl Marx and Max Weber?
- How does religion influence the spirit of capitalism, according to Marx Weber?
- Contrast the spirit of capitalism to Marxism?
- What are the ramifications of the anti-Marxism shown by Weber on the concepts of capitalism, and how does it influence the social order as presented by Karl Marx?
- Why does Marxism attitude on social order defy his principals in his comparisons of capitalism and socialism?
- Do government and religion hold any significant role in the promotion of capitalism, or are they simply the tools for the achievement of Marxism?
- Research plan:
- Introduction
It provides an overview of the paper, what will happen in the article, and a clear and concise thesis. This section will introduce the paper to the reader. The part ends with a thesis. Max Weber was a German Sociologist and an economist who made modern contributions to economic theories. His most successful work is Protestantism and the spirit of capitalism. This work contains most of his definitions and understanding of the concepts of capitalism. It also provides his argument based on the influence of religion on the economy. Religion, while a controversial concept, plays a vital role as the government in the promotion of capitalism or any other economic principle. On the other hand, Karl Marx was also a German Economist and socialist revolutionary who cautioned against Capitalism and its influence on economies (Simon, 2016). He promoted socialist while being adamant against condemning or supporting the communist theory. His most celebrated work is known as The Communist Manifesto – Bourgeoisie and Proletariat, where he breaks down the ideologies presented by communists and how they are likely to influence the world Adorjan & Kelly, 2017). He critiqued and supported communist ideologies prophesying that it was bound to grow. Stalin used his communist ideology in the expansion of Russia after the second world war.
Thesis statement; Karl Marx presents capitalism as a monolith that destroys the entirety of human morality while consuming ideological understanding while Marx Weber shows capitalism as a social and political tool for control in the pretext of economic austerity. As such, while both are concise, they fail to consider the human aspect of an economy and how it is influenced by capitalism.
The Body
- First part- Capitalism and the exploitation of people
Karl Marx argues that Capitalism is a leading cause of the exploitation of people. Once a society accepts capitalism, the common man becomes the source of income, and the leader becomes the consumer. In his work The Communist Manifesto – Bourgeoisie and Proletariat, he states that before communism, the wealthy oppressed the poor. However, with technology, the middle class is bound to challenge those in power (Simon, 2016). On the other hand, Max Weber states that capitalism reduces the oppression of the poor. He argues that it provides an opportunity for the poor to rise from their positions of misery to a better place in society since they are no owner. He coins the statement from owned to an owner.
- Second part- The spirit of capitalism
Both Marx and Weber agree that capitalism is based on leadership. However, while Marx argues that this form of capitalism is formed based on the economy, Weber states that the cultural aspect of capitalism is more essential than any other issue. Culture, while a social problem, plays a critical role in the development of capitalism and its influence on the thinking of people. For instance, a person is likely to engage their neighbor than a stranger in trade (Joose, 2017). While such concepts seem minor, they coagulate the importance of a thriving economy.
- Third part- The social
The social theory explains the impact of capitalism. To Karl Marx, it further his concept of statuses and classes. Marx explains that humans are divided into two distinct groups, each competing against each other. This concept presents the capitalist dilemma. The capitalist dilemma, as described by Karl Marx, expounds on the choice that capitalist governments have to make between the people and the good of the economy. Marx’s questions whether the authority for the people or business. On the other hand, Weber is cyclical in defining what makes the structure of a good society (Joose, 2017). He focuses on the consequences of cultural beliefs and the superficial impact they possess on the economy of a county. Therefore, he expounds that governments should protect the economies, thus, ensuring the survival of economies.
- Fourth Part- Sociological Perspectives
The different sociological perspectives of Karl Marx and Max Weber. Showing that their outlook on society affected their theories. Karl Marx takes the conflict perspective where focuses heavily on the classes existing in society and how they advocate for change when it benefits their agendas. Weber is considered to be someone who contributed to shaping the interactionist perspective (Adorjan & Kelly, 2017). The symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on the interaction between people and the meanings people give to each other’s actions, verbal or non-verbal, and how they interpret symbols they come across.
- Conclusion
The conclusion will expound on the major points addressed in the work. It will expound on understanding Karl Marx and Max Weber and how they influence the capitalist concepts. Furthermore, it dictates the vital importance of a generalized view offering a definitive conclusion on the concepts or recommendations of the problem. The section will also analyze whether the paper addresses the issue and, if not, provide solutions to the question. Finally, it will restate the thesis statement.
- References
– Adorjan, M., & Kelly, B. (2017). Interpretive sociology. ResearchGate, 1-5. Retrieved April 3rd, 2020, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication /312027216 _Interpretive_Sociology
– Joose, P. (2017). Max Weber’s disciples: theorizing the charismatic aristocracy. Sage, 35(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0735275117740402
– Menand, L. (2016). Karl Max. yesterday and today. The New Yorker. Retrieved April 3rd, 2020, from https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/10/karl-marx-yesterday-and-today
– Simon, R. M. (2016). The conflict paradigm in Sociology and the study of social inequality: paradox and possibility. Academic Journals, 9(1). Retrieved April 3rd, 2020, from https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-3958019921/the-conflict-paradigm-in-sociology-and-the-study-of
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