The individual who most significantly expounded the notion of "Class Consciousness" is:

Who among the following expounded the notion of" Class Consciousness"? 1. Emile Durkheim 2. Max Weber 3. Karl Marx 4. Talcott Parsons

Karl Marx

He introduced this concept in his seminal work, Das Kapital, and further elaborated on it in collaboration with Friedrich Engels in The Communist Manifesto. Class consciousness, as defined by Marx, refers to the awareness by a social or economic class of their shared position and interests within the structure of society and the economic system. It's the understanding of how their class is situated in relation to other classes, particularly the ruling class, and the recognition of the inherent inequalities and power dynamics within the system.

Here's a brief academic note on the concept:

Key points of Marx's Class Consciousness:

• Collective Identity: Class consciousness fosters a sense of shared identity and solidarity among members of the same class, based on their common experiences and struggles.
• Class Conflict: It highlights the inherent conflict of interests between different classes, particularly between the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class). This conflict arises from the exploitative nature of capitalism, where the surplus value generated by workers is appropriated by the capitalists.
• Revolution: Marx believed that as class consciousness grows and workers become more aware of their exploitation, they would eventually rise up in a revolutionary struggle to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a classless society.

Differentiating from other options:

• Emile Durkheim: While Durkheim focused on social solidarity and cohesion, he didn't delve deeply into class consciousness or the dynamics of social conflict.
• Max Weber: Weber's primary focus was on social stratification and the role of power, class, and status in shaping societies. However, his conception of class was more nuanced than Marx's and didn't emphasize class consciousness as a central driver of social change.
• Talcott Parsons: Parsons' structural-functionalist approach viewed society as a harmonious system where each part contributes to the overall stability. This perspective stands in contrast to Marx's emphasis on class conflict and the potential for revolutionary change.

Further exploration:

• Georg Lukács: A Hungarian Marxist philosopher who expanded on the concept of class consciousness, arguing that it arises through collective action and struggle rather than solely through individual awareness.
• False consciousness: A concept related to class consciousness, which refers to the acceptance by members of a subordinate class of the dominant ideology and values of the ruling class, even if it serves against their own interests.

Remember: Class consciousness remains a complex and contested concept within sociology and related disciplines. While Marx's work laid the foundation for understanding class dynamics, various interpretations and critiques have emerged over time.