SOC100 Lecture 4: Sociology 100- Lecture 4

• School: University of Alberta
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC100
• Professor: Jonathan Simmons

Document Summary

The materialist conception of history: he viewed the economy as the driving force of social change. He is also known for his criticism of capitalism. Source of con ict coming from the exploitation of the poor by the rich (owners of mass produced products in a factory). If they pushed back enough, a revolution would occur. He referred to the wealthy people as bourgeoisie. Marx blamed the system where people with power exploited the others. Exploitation is inherent to both capitalism and previous historical economic systems. There"s only so much individuals can do to push back. Incentive for the factory owners is to make pro t and outcompete competition. This incentive system is already set against the poor; ex: poor conditions, low wages etc. Difference between con ict theorists and marx is that mrs thought this would all end eventually; the ending involves ending all hierarchal classes entirely; through the working class has risen up and private property is abolished.