In what ways are Marx's and Weber's theories of class at odds with each other and to what extent can they be seen as complementary?

(•) BASIS : Marx is seen as ECONOMIC REDUCTIONIST by Karl popper in that he sees Economic ownership of forces of production causing two classes of HAVES and HAVE NOTS to form.

Weber gives multi-causal explanation and gives due importance to MARKET POSITION, based on consumption and life chances for classifying socity.

(•) CLASS : Marx divides socity as only between dual classes, one Bourgeoisie owning capital & labour Proletariat while latter has to even sell labour.

Weber gives a four fold classification of class in society. This is a more diversified classification of class rejecting polarisation.

◎ DYNAMICS : Marx suggests that since in capitalism relation between labour & man is perverted, even Lumpen Proletariat (middle class -if exists) would undergo polarisation and ultimately CLASS STRUGGLE would ensue, He is optimistic of a COMMUNIST society where no class would exist and dialectics will end.

Weber is pessimistic about the idea of classless society as he sees proliferation of classes based on much occupational differentiation due to division of labour in society. He is not hopeful of class antagonism or Revolution being inevitable.

Though differing significantly, theories of Marx and Weber are also complementary in that they analyse stratification in backdrop of emerging capitalism, its impact on economic & social structure of society. Both agree to the alienation or 'disenchantment' which class division & capitalism brings along.