The Views of Karl Marx VS Max Weber-Ethics

Compare and contrast the views of Karl Marx and Max Weber with regards as to what motivates people to work.

Karl Marx:
Exploitation

Proletariat have to sell their labour-power

The machines of the industrial revolution eliminate creativity require only the workers own labour, work is alienated, workers alienated.

Max Weber:
Regarded as one of the 'founding fathers' of sociology

Wider analysis of capitalism then that of Marx

Weber ignores labour exploitation as being a function of class

Compare:
Calvinism can be seen to have provided the initiating force for capitalism in as much as the effects of Calvinism that originated in theology reflect the spirit for capitalism (the drive for economic success).

Ownership and control through capitalism

Mark uses exploitation and oppression of the working classes (proletariat). as a means for exercising control by manipulation the situation.

Weber uses bureaucratic organization as a means for exercising control by calculated acts of influence.

Abolition of control and capitalists that cannot exist without wage-workers would create a Utopian Socialism where superstition, injustice, privilege, oppression, were to be superseded by equality

Contrast:
Marx explained social phenomena in primarily economic terms (necessary to survive)

Weber Explained social phenomena in cultural terms.

Mark Focussed on group rather than individual action (trade unions, workplace organizations).

Weber focussed on individual social action and interaction

For Marx the key influences of motivation are greed, alienation, exploitation, labour/manager distinction

Weber see motivation as a function of technical problems to be overcome

Marx suggests that religion provides justification for the status quo and relief for suffering in the material world.

Weber suggests that religion directs its followers to gain salvation by doing 'good works' and 'hard work' in the material world.

Conclusion:
It could be said therefore that Marx has the paranoid belief that only the baser instincts of greed alienation and exploitation motivate work, and that religion is the camouflage that conceals the truth of this, Weber has the opposing view that motivation comes from the individuals wish to overcome problems, supported by the religious work ethic to do good for the common good.

I am the website administrator of the Wandle industrial museum (http://www.wandle.org). Established in 1983 by local people determined to ensure that the history of the valley was no longer neglected but enhanced awareness its heritage for the use and benefits of the community.