Capitalism and Modernity: An Excursus on Marx and Weber

by Derek Sayer

First Published in 2004. The nature of modernity, and its connection with capitalism, are questions at the forefront of contemporary sociological debate. Derek Sayer re-examines the answers given by Karl Marx and Max Weber, authors of two of the most profound sociological critiques of modernity. His reassessment of Marx and Weber on capitalism and modernity provides a new reading which reveals the remarkable consonances between their sociologies of the modern condition. Going beyond the well-known stereotypes of ‘the Marx-Weber debate’, Professor Sayer shows that both Marx and Weber produced a challenging critique of the nature of power and subjectivity in modern society, a critique which retains all its intellectual force and moral relevance today. A major work of original scholarship, Capitalism and Modernity is clearly and accessibly written. It is an authoritative and provocative commentary on a debate central to modern sociology and politics and will be a key text in social theory for students of sociology, politics and philosophy.

Genres: Sociology

184 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 1990

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emphasizing the commonalities between these two theorists, Sayer does a good job of taking them on their own terms and focusing on modernity, but also carrying in elements of a postmodern perspective. Surprisingly dated given that Marx and Weber are long gone, but there is a lot about his analysis that seems specific to questions that must have seemed more relevant in the late 1980s. Doesn't really assume you know very much about either of theses thinkers, but probably still interesting if you do.