Final answer:
Karl Marx developed the theory of communism, aiming for a classless society with communal ownership of property. He is distinct from Max Weber, who analyzed the influence of Protestant ethics on the rise of capitalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Karl Marx developed the theory of communism, which is the subject addressed by the student's question. Marx's work laid the foundation for Marxist theory, which advocates for a classless society wherein all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. This theory was later adapted in various forms in countries such as the Soviet Union and China.
Marx's theory contrasts with the theories of Max Weber, another sociologist mentioned in the chapter, who is best known for his book, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Weber's work focused on the role of religion and culture in the development of economic systems, particularly how the Protestant work ethic contributed to the rise of capitalism. It's important to note that while Weber and Marx are both critical to the field of sociology, their theories address different aspects of social and economic life.