The Contribution of Emile Durkheim, Karl Mark and Max Weber's Work to Sociology

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The contribution of Emile Durkheim, Karl Mark and Max Weber's work to sociology Emile Durkheim - Functionalist French sociologists Emile Durkheim’s work is considered the foundation of the functionalist theory; which attempts to explain social institutions as collective means to meet individual and social needs. These are two types of social solidarity Durkheim believed in: The Mechanical Solidarity – These societies have people involved in similar roles so labour division is simple. Therefore, a similar lifestyle is lived with common shared norms and values and beliefs. They have a consensus of opinion on moral issues giving society a social solidarity to guide behaviour. As there is a societal agreement, there is pressure to follow the value consensus, so therefore most do. The Organic Solidarity – Industrialisation meant population grew rapidly with urbanisation occurring. As society develops, a division of labour occurs. This is when work becomes separate from the home and the state organises the education, health care and criminal justice systems. A parent back then would be the teacher, doctor, judge and jury as well as a parent. Karl Marx - Marxism The conflict theory derives from the idea of Karl Marx who believed that society is a dynamic unit, which is constantly changing due to class conflict. Karl Marx used two groups in the conflict theory. The Capitalist class owns and controls the means of production, while they also see the distribution of the goods or services. The Capitalist class is also known as the dominant group. His second class, the working class, are the people who provide the labor necessary to produce the goods and services. The dominant Group is the capitalists and the subordinate group is the working class. Max Weber also asserted that society is an "arena" of conflict and struggle" over resources between dominant
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