Economy and Society

Economy and Society

1. The economy is a fundamental part of contemporary society; on that most Sociologists agree.

2. Classical sociologists: Marx, Durkheim and Weber.

   • Were the first to explore the relantionship between the economy and society in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
     • Each develop different viewpoints based on their respective theoretical positions.

3. Marx viewed the economy as the base that determines the social superstructure.

   • Durkheim viewed the economy as one of a number of social institutions that make up a society.
   • Weber viewed the economy in part as an extension of religious belief.

4. All three agree that the economy is essentially a social phenomenon and worthy of study as such

   • Marx, Durkheim and Weber agree that the economy is an important part of social organization.
     • But all three differ in regards to the role that the economy plays in relation to society.

5. These founding classical sociologists all share insights that have proven relevant to current times.

   • Capitalism, the division of labor, class struggles, religious ideologies and productive forces are all still with us today.
     • The struggle to gain understanding of the relantionship of economy and society has been greatly ided by their substantial theories.

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