Capitalism and classes in the works of K. Marx and M. Weber

In this paper, the authors analyze capitalism as a central theme of classical and modern sociology on the example of the works of K. Marx and M. Weber. The questions of the origin, essence and prospects of development of capitalist society in their concepts are considered. The key concepts are analyzed: classes, class struggle, alienation, surplus value, the withering away of the state, rationality, bureaucracy, life opportunities, status groups. The difference in the understanding of the universal nature of capitalist society by K. Marx and M. Weber, associated with their methodological positions, is argued. The elements of novelty are contained in the proposed explanation of differences in the understanding of the role and place of classes and class struggle in modern society based on the conditions in which these concepts were created, as well as on the intentions of their authors.