This new volume of the SAGE Social Thinkers series provides a concise introduction to the work, life, and influences of Karl Marx.

Three general themes can be found throughout Karl Marx’s work: (1) the influence of industrialization on human social organization; (2) the influence of economic development on human behavior, and (3) the potential for human civilization to produce non-antagonistic social relationships.

From his earliest writings (e.g., his 1842 article on the thefts of wood) onward Marx put forth the idea that humans are socially mediated. This is in marked contrast to idealism’s view of humans as only self-conscious beings. Marx’s methods for addressing these concerns and his focus on them changed over the course of his career. But throughout he remained interested in the effects of economic production on human social organization and stratification. Most importantly, Marx’s social thought revolves around his concern for human betterment. His social analysis is conducted in light of this concern and as a means of furthering this goal.

It is ideal for use as a self-contained volume or in conjunction with other sociological theory textbooks.