SOCIAL CLASS STUDIES Flashcards
Durkheim Functionalist
Durkheim (1858-1917) - Class stratification existed because it was functional or beneficial to social order. Modern society is characterised by a specialist division of labour in which people have different functions, skills and abilities. It is characterised by social divisions! People are content to take their positions within the division of labour because they believe in its moral worth. This value consensus also means members accept the legitimacy of stratification.
Parsons Functionalist
Parsons (1902-1979) - Social inequality is functional and an inevitable feature of a social system that requires order and ranking. Ranking is based on a consensus about what society values with regard to:
Kinship – family status
Personal qualities – age, beauty, intelligence etc
Achievement – qualifications and skills
Possessions
Authority
The less of the above skills a person has they more likely they are to face inequality…
Davis and Moore Functionalist
Davis and Moore (1955) - All societies should ensure that their most important positions are filled with the most talented people. The most important jobs need the highest rewards meaning society is meritocratic. People’s class position is a fair reflection of their talents. Stratification encourages all members of society to work to the best of their ability.
Murray New Right (can be “For” para for functionalist
Charles Murray (1984) - The underclass promoted a ‘dependency culture’ meaning that they would not take responsibility for their own situations and they depended on the welfare state to survive. Murray – Blames single-parent mothers for social problems and suggests that lack of positive male role models leads to inequality – The Underclass are lazy and workshy therefore inequality is fault of themselves!
Karl Marx Marxism
Karl Marx (1818-1883)
Saw society as a structure divided into two parts:
Infrastructure - economic base…this shapes the…
Superstructure - political, legal and education systems, beliefs and ideas
Ruling Class Ideology – Ideologies of the ruling class that are passed on to the proletariat - These reinforce their position of power without us realising!
This produces a False Consciousness which prevents people from seeing the reality of their situation.
The relationship between the Bourgeoisie and Proletariat is one built on exploitation and mutual dependence…
Marx predicted a revolution would occur when the proletariat become aware of their exploited position.
Westergaard Marxism
Evidence that divide between rich and poor is getting worse:
Westergaard (1996) - Says polarisation is occurring where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Class differences became stronger in the UK in the late 20th Century.
The top 10% of the population have seen massive increases in their incomes whilst those on the lowest incomes have seen virtually no rise.
Scott Marxism
Evidence of class inequality/life chances: Scott – Social Closure of the upper class
Gramsci Neo-Marxism
Gramsci – Discusses hegemony and the idea that the proletariat haven’t staged a revolution as the ruling class have persuaded just enough of them to ‘side with them’, through the use of ruling class ideologies. The is called hegemony and means that the ruling class are kept stable and keep power – Controlling minds…
Wright Neo-Marxism
Wright - The middle class occupy a contradictory class position – they are both exploited by the ruling class and exploit the working class. Three investments need to be controlled, investment, the means of production and labour power. Ruling class = full power - Middle class managers = partial control - Middle class supervisors = minimal control - Working class = no control.
Weber Weberian
Class - Defined in terms of position in the economic marketplace
Positions vary according to source and amount of income, occupational skills and educational qualifications.
Allows for finely graded occupational classes
Status - The degree of honour or prestige which is attached to social groups in society.
Different status groups compete with each other for a greater share of social esteem.
Members of a status group tend to share common values and lifestyles.
Use status symbols to announce membership to a community.
Party - The exercise of power pressure groups, political parties, trade unions and other organised interest groups.
The groups compete for power which Weber defined as the probability of imposing one’s will even against the resistance of others.
Parties use their power to enhance their economic wealth.
Polhemus Postmodern
changes in Class structure Polhemus (1997) - Focuses on the place of consumption and style in the contemporary UK which is leading to a decline in importance of social class. Due to globalisation our identities are a mixture of a range of influences and choices based on music, fashion, sport, shopping etc. Consumer culture makes it possible for individuals to ‘pick and mix’ at the ‘Supermarket of Style’.
