The main aim of urban theories is to have a glimpse of the contemporary world, which is an outcome of transition. Urban and modern society has evolved from the traditional way of living to the modern way. The main theorists of the classical way of transition include; Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Karl Marx. The theorists describe the transition process specifically in the west and what they depict about the future. They all provide different explanations while pausing questions, “seeds.”
Durkheim believed that the transition from traditional to modern societies was an evolutionary process. He argued that the process was much required by the advanced society intervening in the primitive societies. On the other hand, Marx relied fully on the sole understanding of historical materialism (Monti). Max, however, critiqued Marx’s theory since his argument is based on capitalism. He argued that materialism was required to be fueled by capitalism and other ideologies that would help a society transition to capitalism from feudalism.
The theorists had sets of questions, “seeds,” that made them reach an understanding of the transition of modern society. Durkheim was more interested in what held the society together, and at some point, he referred to the society as primitive, given the religious side of the society. The theorist wanted to understand how religion shaped people’s morals and values. Durkheim believed that primitive societies shun people if they try to be “different” and fail to follow certain rules of society (Monti). He believed that transitioning in society is anomie, which means that “people cannot find their right place in the society.” Durkheim’s main argument or “seed” was based on how society will suffer from anomie if people fail to maintain solidarity. The lack of solidarity and freedom denies people the privilege of realizing their full potential.
Weber fully based the transition of society on feudalism and capitalism. He argued that society transitioned due to a connection between society and the economy. Weber’s question is based on how capitalism dominated the economic system, given that its values are contrary to the Catholic way, which was dominant before capitalism in Europe. The question related to this theory is interesting and seeks to get an understanding of why most protestants became part of the capitalist class and had their regions more developed as compared to the Catholic regions (Monti). In Weber’s arguments, he believed that the protestants were trying to avoid earthly temptations, giving rise to the capitalist spirit. The theorist, therefore, believed that modernity in the future meant increasing bureaucracy in society which in turn reduces democracy and people’s freedom.
Finally, Marx majored in the social transition solely on materialism historically. The theorist believed that for reproduction to exist in a society, there have to be essential material conditions. Marx believed that everything is historic and needs to be studied to obtain a better understanding. The transition of the society solely depends on two classes of society, those who own properties and those who labor, hence creating a production connection (Monti). The laborers are exploited, and this gets worse with the privatization of properties. Privatization brought in the alienation of labor. According to Marx, modernity’s future depends on the working class rising and abolishing private property.
The three theorists have valid points and questions which lead them to the realization of how the transition came about. All are interesting, but Weber’s question is more interesting and gives a glimpse of how capitalism came to be. Durkheim concluded that a lack of solidarity and freedom would lead to people not realizing their full potential. On the other hand, Weber believes that modernity will in the future deny people democracy and freedom. Finally, Marx argues that the “seed” of transition is exploitation, and this can only end by the working class rising and getting rid of private property.
Work Cited
Monti, Daniel Joseph, Michael Ian Borer, and Lyn C. Macgregor. Urban people and places: The sociology of cities, suburbs, and towns. Sage Publications, 2014.