... , rather than sociological flaws existing in the capitalist society (Macionis, 1997: 78). This materialistic approach to the understanding of capitalism lead to Marx's ideas of class conflict as the motivational force driving sociological change throughout history. As quoted in Marx's Manifesto of the Communist Party, "The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles. Freeman and slave, patrician ... the elite of society at the top of the social hierarchy, asserting their domination over the slaves and peasants through military means. These slaves and peasan...

• Word Count: 3173
• Approx Pages: 13
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate