Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Marx and Durkheim. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 6 page paper explores the sociological theories of Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
6 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVMarxDu.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
particular branch of study. Both Marx and Durkheim were interested in trying to find ways to explain the dynamics of society; how it works and how it changes over
time. From this starting point (thinking about society) they developed strikingly different theories of human behavior as applied to societal groups. This paper examines the work of both
men, and then discusses the differences between their theories briefly. Karl Marx Karl Marx is most closely associated with what we might crudely call the theory of "class struggle," more
formally called "conflict theory" (Karl Marx). This theory posits that it is the "competition of individuals and groups for wealth and power [that] is the fundamental process shaping social
structure" (Karl Marx). Marx believed that this conflict among groups produces a society in which privilege is abolished and greater equality appears; however, the progress toward equality only
occurs through violent overthrow of the upper classes (Karl Marx). (Marx was writing years before the Communist revolution of 1917, yet he continues to be associated with it.)
Marx believed that in a capitalist society, owners "can accumulate vast resources" and by doing so can "control the livelihood of others" (Karl Marx). In fact, Marx saw
two kinds of privilege; the first is that exercised by an aristocratic class and a monarchy, the second is that exercised by those who own the means of production (the
executives, factory owners, etc). (Karl Marx). The only way to end the "wage slavery" that is a product of the capitalist system is to abolish private ownership of
all means of production (Karl Marx). For Marx, there are only two classes of concern in society: ruling and oppressed (Elwell, 2003). He posits that "relationships between people
...