Marx, Methodological Individualism, and the Political Economy of Agency: A Critical Reappraisal Introduction A recurrent debate in social and political theory concerns whether Karl Marx’s class-centred analysis necessarily entails a rejection of methodological individualism, the principle that social phenomena must ultimately be explained through the actions, preferences, and rational choices of individuals. Classical political economy, … Continue reading Critically assess whether Marx’s class-centred analysis entails the rejection of methodological individualism. Contrast Marx’s conception of the individual with Adam Smith’s and John Stuart Mill’s views on economic rationality and self-interest.