The considerable influence of Karl Marx's theories on sociology and political thought is beyond doubt. His concept of a communism overcoming the socio-economic pitfalls of capitalism was not a theory that came into being in the way he might have hypothesized. Many throughout history have distorted Marx's writings, raising the question of whether pure communism in the original Marxist sense is possible, given that humanity appears to have a "need" innate hierarchy and a thirst for power. to satisfy the “need” for power and acquisition above all else, and the proof of this is the growth of global wealth, which certainly does not equate to equal wealth. The gap between rich and poor continues to widen, including inequalities in life chances and participation in society in general. However, compelling evidence does not appear to change or transform capitalism, which is why Marx's concept of economic class struggle remains a controversial issue. This essay will explain and explore the concept of capitalism and how Marx believed that the origins and dynamics of capitalism were intertwined. woven into the fabric of class struggles throughout history. In fact, this notion opens the first part of the Communist Manifesto with the now famous quote: “The history of every hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles” (Marx and Engels, p. 79). Capitalism is essential given that Marx based his work around the concept of historical materialism, originally derived in his development from Feuerbach's "Hegelian inversion". Historical materialism is a concept explaining the vital function of human production...... middle of article...... gence of The Economy in Hall and Gieben (eds) 2001 Formations of Modernity. Cambridge: Polity Press Bythell, D., 1983. The Industrial Revolution: Cottage Industry and the Factory System, 33 pp. 17-23. Held, D., 2001. The Development of the Modern State in Hall and Gieben (ed.) 2001. Formations of modernity. Cambridge: Polity Press Giddens, A., 1971. Capitalism and modern social theory: an analysis of the writings of Marx, Durkheim and Max Weber. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Giddens, A., 1986. Sociology: A Brief but Critical Introduction. 2nd ed. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Lee, D., Newby, H., 2000. The problem of sociology. Abingdon: RoutledgeMarx, K., Engels, F., “Communist Party Manifesto”. Flight. One, Progress Publishers, Moscow, 1969. Web. April 9, 2015.https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/