According to Karl Marx, classes are the groups having similar interests and common objectives. The class formation is a historical process. As the modes of production, technology and social relations change, these classes started opposing each other and this result in class conflict. The conflict between different classes lead to class struggle and this becomes the major driving force of change in society.

The class struggle develops due to class consciousness among the group members leading to conflict. When the oppressed class develops consciousness about being exploited by the oppressor class, then that is the emerging stage of conflict.