Sociologists (Social Inequality (Stratification))

Question 1

Karl Marx (Marxism)

Answer 1

What He Did: Argued that society is divided into two main classes: bourgeoisie (owners) and proletariat (workers), who are in constant conflict.

Key Contribution: Developed the theory of class struggle, which leads to social change and the overthrow of capitalism.

Question 2

Max Weber (Social Action)

Answer 2

What He Did: Argued that social stratification is more complex than Marx’s view; it includes class, status, and power.

Key Contribution: Introduced the concept of social closure, where groups use power to exclude others and maintain their status.

Question 3

Davis & Moore (Functionalism)

Answer 3

What They Did: Argued that social stratification is necessary to ensure the most talented individuals occupy the most important roles in society.

Key Contribution: Proposed that inequality is functionally necessary for society’s smooth operation.

Question 4

Sylvia Walby (Feminism)

Answer 4

What She Did: Argued that patriarchy is a system of male domination that shapes women’s experiences.

Key Contribution: Identified six structures of patriarchy (e.g., paid work, household, male violence) that maintain gender inequality.

Question 5

Erving Goffman (Interactionism)

Answer 5

What He Did: Developed the idea of dramaturgy—society is like a theatre where individuals perform roles based on social expectations.

Key Contribution: Focused on stigma—how individuals manage their identity when labelled as “deviant.”

Question 6

Paul Young (Social Inequality & Urban Sociology)

Answer 6

What He Did: Studied the intersection of class, race, and gender in creating patterns of inequality, especially among youth.

Key Contribution: Focused on how youth subcultures reflect and reinforce broader social inequalities.