Which theorist believed that powerful individuals exploit less powerful individuals for their personal gain?

The perspective of Karl Marx is central to understanding the dynamics of power and exploitation in society. Marx's theory posits that society is fundamentally divided between those who own the means of production—the bourgeoisie—and those who do not—the proletariat. He argued that the bourgeoisie exploits the labor of the proletariat to generate profit, leading to social inequality and class struggle. This exploitation is not merely a byproduct of economic interactions but is embedded in the very structure of capitalist society, where wealth and power are concentrated in the hands of a few individuals, while the majority face economic hardship. This critical view underscores how systemic inequalities are perpetuated and highlights the inherent conflicts between different classes driven by power dynamics.

In contrast, the other theorists mentioned have different focal points in their analyses. For example, Max Weber emphasized the role of social stratification and authority, while Emile Durkheim focused on social cohesion and collective consciousness, and Robert Ezra Park is known for his contributions to urban sociology and the study of race relations. Their theories do not primarily center on the exploitation of one group by another as articulated by Marx.