The theory of Marxism is a fundamental alternative to functionalism. It was largely used and appreciated during the 1970s, due to the decline of functionalism and the assurance that it could offer answers which functionalism could not provide. Also, Marxism was more in sync with that era. It takes its name from the German philosopher who created its assumptions, Karl Marx (1818-1883). Marx derived his main assumptions with the help of his close ally and …
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…working class (proletariat). In feudal societies, lords exploit their serfs; in capitalist society, employers exploit their employees. As a result, a type of fundamental conflict of interest is created between social groups since one benefits at the expense of the other. A solution for this conflict of interest must be found since a society consisting of such contradictions cannot survive unchanged. SOURCES Michael Haralambos, Martin Holborn and Robin Heald "Sociology Themes and Perspectives" Collins Educational, 2000.