Theories of Social Inequality Flashcards
What is the role of sociology?
To place individual behaviour in a broadder social landscape to reveal the underlying meanings and social patterns.
What is mode of production?
The system of production by which people provide for their material needs.
What was the basis of Marx’s sociological theories?
That inequality arises as a result of the control of the means of production.
There are two classes in society:
those who own all means of production- the bourgeiosie
and
those who give human labour in exchange for material needs - the proletariat.
How did Marx belive capitalists maintained power?
Through the possession of the means of production and the control of the state, ideas and values.
What is false consciousness?
The working class is unaware of their own class interests- capitalist interests are reguarded as natural and fair.
What were Weber’s ideas of inequality?
he expanded on Marx’s ideas, though disagreed with the prediction of proleteriat revolution.
He suggested a multidimensional model that considered class, status and party.
What was Weber’s idea of class?
Divisions of people by their access to life chances. (known as economic order)
What was Weber’s idea of Status?
Honor and prestige of the persons lifestyle affecting their social postion. (known as social order)
What was Weber’s definition of party?
The political power/ voluntary associations people made, thier political rank. (this is referred to as political order)
What were the types of authority Weber considered?
Tradtional (e.g. chiefs, royalty, preists, parents)
Charistmatic
legal-rational (emgeres through implementation of burecracy)
What were Durkheim’s therories?
That stratification is present because people accept their place in society, conflict will occur if people no longer believe they are able/free to be whatever they want (e.g. prime minster or plumber)
What were Parson’s sociological theories?
he expanded on Durkheim’s ideas of structural functionalism, that stratification results from agreement about which positions to value in society.
He also identified that different societies value different statuses more highly, e.g. traditional societies prioritise ascribed status and modern societies prioritise acheived status.
What were Bourdieu’s forms of Capital?
Economic- income and wealth
Cultural - education, lifestyle, cultural tastes
Social- networks and connections
Symbolic- respect, reputation
What is a critism of Marx’s theories?
Focuses too much on economic factors
What is a critisim of normative functionalism (Durkheim and Parsons)?
Mostly emphasises labour market and underplays the issues of conflict
