marxist - class

Question 1

Marxist explanations of the changing class structure - Westergaard

Answer 1

Westergaard is concerned that whilst differences between the classes seem to have strengthened, the identification people have with their own social class seems to have weakened. He blames economic and social policies such as the way in which politicians have stopped using the term ‘social class’ to describe the population, instead focussing on ‘social exclusion’ e.g. single mothers, the poor, unemployed. Westergaard maintains that social class is still a very useful concept for sociologists as someone’s social class position effects every part of their life chances and class consciousness could yet be revived.

Question 2

westergaard eval

Answer 2

However, Westergaard’s point is opposed by Postmodernists who argue that class has indeed reduced in importance. Identity is now based on individual choices.

Question 3

Marxist explanations of the changing class structure - savage

Answer 3

Savage argues that the collective confidence of the working class is being undermined in contemporary society. At one time they saw themselves collectively as strong and independent, in contrast to the servile, dependent people who worked in the ‘office’. But Savage argues that there has been a cultural shift. Nowadays the working class are no longer in powerful trade unions, and the jobs they have seem somehow less ‘heroic’ and Manual labour has suffered a loss in status