social class theory Flashcards
Durkheim - Functionalism (social class theory)
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, that benefit the function of society. It is characterised by social divisions. People are happy 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. The most functional positions receive the highest rewards such as higher pay, encouraging competition amongst people. Ascription of certain jobs would result in the breakdown of consensus and solidarity.
Parsons - Functionalism (social class theory)
Social inequality is functional and an inevitable feature of a social system that requires order and ranking. Social systems need to be hierarchical to achieve order and ranking - ranking is based on a consensus about the values of: Kinship – family status, Personal qualities – age, beauty, intelligence etc, Achievement – qualifications and skills, Possessions and Authority. The less of the above skills a person has they more likely they are to face inequality.
Davis and Moore - Functionalism (social class theory)
(Based on Durkheim) 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 (social class theory)
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. He 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!
Marx - Marxist (social class theory)
The relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat is one of mutual dependence - the proletariat sell their labour power to the bourgeoisie who make the profit from their production.
Polarisation of the classes will grow steadily as the bourgeoisie try to drive down wages and increase profits.
Saw society as a structure divided into two parts: Infrastructure - economic base, 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.
Marx predicted a revolution would occur when the proletariat become aware of their exploited position.
Westergaard - Marxism (social class theory)
Polarisation is occurring where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Argues that class differences have become stronger in the 20th century. Claims that the top 10% of the population have seen a massive increase in their income whilst those on the lowest income have seen no rise.
Gramsci - Neo-Marxism (social class theory)
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. This is called hegemony and means that the ruling class are kept stable and keep power – Controlling minds.
Wright - Neo-Marxism (social class theory)
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.
Beechey - Marxist Feminism (social class theory)
Women are a cheap ‘reserve army of labour’ brought in during economic booms but thrown out during slumps. Women are often not members of trade unions and are prepared to work for less money as their wage could be a second income.
Weber - Weberian (social class theory)
Social inequality is the result of class, status and party. Sceptical about polarisation - thought that the differences in status between people would undermine any common cause, including a revolution. Classes are becoming more and more fragmented as they are too internally divided to form a common group identity.
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. Classes are becoming more and more fragmented as they are too internally divided to form a common group identity.
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 - Postmodernism (social class theory)
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’.
