Social inequalities: work and employment

Question 1

What did Weber think about work and employment ?

Answer 1

The more privileged are the more skilled and high status people with occupations commanding a higher level of pay
The less skilful have less bargaining power which means that they have a poorer market situation

Question 2

What dod marxists think about work and employment ?

Answer 2

• Capitalist employers keep wages down and profits up which is where inequalities come from
• Key workers (managers) are more likely to be highly rewarded because they act as an ‘agent’ through ensuring profits for the owners

Question 3

What are other types of rewards beyond pay ?

Answer 3

1. Financial rewards (work pensions, longer paid holidays)
2. Status - looking important (uniforms, different facilities, special privileges)
3. Power and control - Control in their work (own working hours, flexibility of where they work)
4. Opportunity for advancement - climbing up career ladder (higher pay and responsibility)
5. Job satisfaction
6. Job security