IntroductionKarl Marx (1818-1883) and Émile Durkheim (1858-1917) were sociologists who both lived in similar time periods between the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, resulting in both Marx and Durkheim being concerned with similar effects and impacts in society (Appelrouth and Edles: 20, 77). Marx's main focus was on class distinctions between bourgeoisie and proletariat, forces and relations of production, capital, surplus value, alienation, labor theory of value, exploitation and class consciousness (Appelrouth and Edles: 20). While Durkheim's main focus was on social facts, social solidarity – mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity, anomie, collective consciousness, ritual, symbol and collective representations (Appelrouth and Edles: 77). For the purposes of this essay, we will focus on the concerns that emerged between Karl Marx and Émile Durkheim regarding the benefits and dangers of modern capitalism. Marx and Durkheim's concepts are comparable in the sense that Marx focuses on alienation and classes, which is similar to Durkheim's concepts of anomie and division of labor. The onset of the industrial revolution and technological advances can be seen as a key factor that gave rise to modern capitalism, as the economic system was based on private ownership, mass production and increased profits, resulting in people were separated based on class and social class. the division of labor, which then gave rise to alienation and anomie. In this essay I will explore Karl Marx and Émile Durkheim's assessment of the benefits and dangers of the rise of modern capitalism. Through these two theorists and sociologists, we can analyze, discuss, compare, criticize and come to understand how the modern limit... middle of paper... fits into modern capitalism while increasing profits through labor theory of value, exploiting the proletariat. On the other hand, the proletariats are in danger, as they alienate themselves through mass production and the labor theory of value does not work in their favor. Durkheim believes that job specialization is effective as long as it is not pushed too far, resulting in a state of anomie. The division of labor can be considered beneficial to society as it allows mass production, increased profits, creativity and interests to be used among individuals, while maintaining their human identity. At the same time, the division of labor can be considered dangerous, since excessive specialization leads to anomie. Through both Marx and Durkheim, we can conclude that modern capitalism presents both advantages and dangers towards individuals and societies in a capitalist economy..