1c Flashcards
Social class intro
Social inequality refers to any differences between individuals and groups that are reflected in inferior chances in life for one of those groups. In regards to class this might simply mean the unequal distribution of money so that some people are rich and others are poor, or it could mean inequalities in income, education, health, housing, the law etc
Neo marxists intro
Marx died over a century ago and it is unfair to expect him to have predicted every development since then. Neo-Marxism is the term used to describe the work of later Marxists. They have taken Marx’s ideas in many different directions and there is no single neo-Marxist approach. Most seem to agree that culture deserves far more serious attention than it was given by ‘classical’ Marxists.
Marxist conclusion
Wilkinson and Pickett explain that polarisation and inequality is bad for everyone as it increases social alienation. They show that levels of mental illness, alcoholism, teen pregnancy, loneliness and a range of other social problems rise in countries with high inequality.
Weber intro
Weber agreed with Marx that there is a system of stratification in place, however he came to different conclusions about how classes are differentiated from one another. He believed that instead of simply looking at the relationship to the means of production (as Marx does) one should consider the distinction between class, status and party.
Weber conclusion
Barron and Norris argue that the labour market is divided into two sectors, a primary sector consisting of secure, well-paid jobs with good prospects and a secondary sector characterised by poor pay, insecurity and no ladder of promotion. It is very difficult to move from the secondary to the primary sector.
Functionalists intro
Functionalist sociologists often draw a comparison between society and the human body. The body consists of separate but interdependent parts, each part playing a specialised role which contributes to overall physical wellbeing.
