Which early Sociologist emphasized the influence of economic structures on social change?

Karl Marx emphasized the influence of economic structures on social change through his theory of historical materialism. He argued that the economic base of society—its relations of production and class structures—fundamentally shapes its superstructure, which includes culture, institutions, and politics. Marx believed that social change is primarily driven by changes in the economic structure, particularly the conflicts arising from class struggles. This perspective meant that, for him, understanding the economic relationships in a society was crucial to understanding its social dynamics and transformations.

While other sociologists, like Durkheim and Weber, explored the relationships between society, culture, and economy, their frameworks did not center on economic structures as the primary force of social change in the same way that Marx’s did. Durkheim focused more on the role of social cohesion and collective norms, while Weber examined the role of ideas and values in societal changes, particularly in relation to capitalism. Comte is known for his contributions to positivism and the idea of a hierarchical progression of societal development but did not specifically emphasize the economic structures in the same analytical manner as Marx.