Marx Vs Durkheim

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In contrast to Durkheim’s alienation of the adaptation of a disorganised society, Marx’s theory appears as apparent today on a global scale. Marx viewed opposition of capitalism as rising due to class conflict, exploitation, degradation and wages which were just enough to survive on. Marx also recognised four forms of alienation. Firstly, product alienation to Marx is when workers become estranged from the end product of their labour, leaving workers feeling detached and having a disconnection from the community as they toil for income only, ‘cash nexus’. Secondly, activity alienation is when a worker is forced into an unwanted relationship, leaving the worker with no say in time spent with the people you want to be with. Thirdly, species …show more content…
Marx solution to the problem is his belief by overthrowing the government, abolishing private property and returning the means of production back into the hands of the workers, ‘ social revolution’, would capitalism be destroyed and a de-alienated communist state where products would be produced for need other than profit would prevail.

In conclusion, Durkheim and Marx’s social paradigm of a division of labour confer the importance of the economy and social organisation. However, they differ on the role it plays in society. Durkheim’s believes and is optimistic by the relationship between society and the economy, playing a vital role in cementing social cohesion, stability, and individual consciousness. For Durkheim social solidarity is bought about by the division of labour and interdependence. Durkheim trusts in two types of solidarity, mechanical and organic. Mechanical solidarity has a weakened collective consciousness but strong social norms and values due to likeness. Whilst organic solidarity has a strong collective consciousness bought about by the division of labour and specialisation. Durkheim does not address or lay importance on