Karl Marx formed many important theories throughout his life. These theories however formed an important sociological perspective called the conflict theory. Marx’s conflict theory stated that capitalist societies were built on conflicts between the proletariats and the bourgeoisie. He saw this as the downfall of capitalism; however, this has not been the case. Proletariats have seen a continue in poverty and an expansion. They have also contributed to a large stake in the success of capitalism, unlike Marx had predicted. Marx believed that due to the fall of capitalism, communism would emerge. He believed that this would eliminate private property, profit, division of labor, and social classes. Marx believed that the rise of communism would lead to the end of structural tensions and a proletariat revolution which would produce emancipation for all people.
Marx has been able to prove to the working class that they are simply being used by the capitalist for a profit. Wageworkers believe they will profit through their labor, but capitalist will always profit more. Those workers will come to realize their exploitation due to Marx’s theories. They will see how they are used by the capitalist class for the accumulation of profit , but will instead embrace what Marx saw as the illusionary promises of capitalism.
Marx’s conflict theory is still very relevant today due to how capitalism is how America’s society flourishes. Capitalism is a distinctive social form. Inequality and private property are not unique to capitalism. Marx acknowledged the economic and technological advances of capitalism, but he also saw the regressive aspects. It is a system of commodity production and commodity exchange, the ceaseless accumulation of increasing capital and profit. Capitalism ties individuals together solely based on economic exchange and economic interests. Marx was able to see the driven force of profit accumulation. Capitalists do not have non-economic ties to workers. That is what sets apart capitalism from other social systems.
Sources:
Coser. “Karl Marx.” Master of Thought, 2003, pp. 43–87.
Kaufman, Peter. “Are College Athletes the New Proletariat?” Everyday Sociology Blog, 28 Apr. 2014, www.everydaysociologyblog.com/2014/04/are-college-athletes-the-new-proletariat.html.
Menand, Louis. Karl Marx, Yesterday and Today, 3 Oct. 2016, pp. 1–19.