The Marxian theory of social change is rooted in the class struggle of the mid-nineteenth century relating directly to the conflict between the dominant (bourgeoisie) and subordinate (proletariat) social classes. Marx and Engels intended to provide a way of thinking that could help the proletariat regain control of their lives. They believed the purpose of economic activity was the satisfaction of human needs and the production of general well-being. However, from their perspective, capitalism counteracted this notion, creating an “us versus them” mentality between the middle and lower classes. And rather than establishing an environment that meets the needs of all its members equally, Marx and Engels saw capitalism as a means to increase the control and wealth of the bourgeoisie, while impoverishing the proletariat.
Marx and Engels suggest that under a capitalist regime, wage workers would become aware of their disadvantaged position in society. They go on to theorize that this realization of exploitation would lead to a revolutionary “class consciousness,” which would ultimately result in the transformation of the working class. In other words, it is hypothesized that with this newly discovered ”consciousness,” the proletariat would be motivated to rebel against the capitalist order in order to regain control of their lives. Through the organized actions of the working class, then, Marx and Engels argued that the result of class consciousness would ultimately end capitalism.
Functionalist accused Marx of being "economically determinist". That is, the idea that Marxists over-exaggerate the importance of economic relationships; relationships that are seen to determine the shape taken by all other relationships (family, education, friendship, religious and so forth). They point out that Capitalism, as an economic and political system, has proven to be more durable and flexible than Marx maintained. In modern social systems, for example, the advent of Communism does not appear imminent. Critics like Sir Karl Popper have claimed that Marxism is unscientific in its methodology. In particular, he argues that Marxism is not a theory that can be tested and possibly falsified, mainly because it sees the replacement of Capitalism by Communism as "historically inevitable". In this respect, Popper classifies Marxism as a “faith”.
