Marx and Weber

Abstract

If we preface our analysis of the class structure of contemporary capitalist society with a discussion of the work of Marx and Weber, it is not least because we wish to argue that a class theory derived from Marxist principles is a better analytical tool for the analysis of modern societies than a Weberian or neo-Weberian approach — a conclusion which would be denied by many contemporary class theorists. In this chapter, therefore, besides giving an account of Weber’s and Marx’s work (which provides essential material for succeeding chapters), we shall also indicate what we think are the more serious limitations of Weberian class theory.