Drawing on the works of Rousseau, Polanyi, Marx, and Weber, craft an essay, with a creative thesis and unifying theme, comparing and contrasting the authors’ views on the relationship between
the human condition and modern/market society (for example, Rousseau’s views of private property and inequality; Polanyi’s views on the commodifying of land, labor, and money; Marx’ views
of the secret of the commodity and surplus value; and Weber’s views of the bureaucratic machine). Arguably, each of these authors is skeptical of, and expresses wariness about, how
modern/market society “dehumanizes” people and destroys the fabric of society. In what ways are they similar and in what ways are they different? How do their insights help us understand
our lives today? Your essay will be graded on how well (with original applications and insightful comparisons) you demonstrate your understanding of these theorists.