While both Marx and Lenski acknowledge the role of technology in societal change, Marx believes that class struggle is a secondary factor compared to technological advancements.

Marx and Lenski both agree that technology plays a big role in how societies change over time, but they see the importance of class struggle differently. Marx thinks that technological advancements are the main driver of change, while class struggle, which is the conflict between different social classes, is less important. He believes that as technology develops, it changes the way people work and live, leading to new social structures. For example, the invention of the steam engine transformed production in factories, which affected workers and their relationships with owners. In contrast, Lenski sees class struggle as a crucial factor that can influence how technology is used and who benefits from it, highlighting the ongoing conflicts that arise from these changes.