Weberian View on Social Class Inequality Flashcards
What is the Weberian theory associated with
Max Weber (1864-1920)
What was Weber’s critic on Marx
He claimed he over-emphasised the influence of the economic in his insistence on social class as the main source of social inequality and cause of social behaviour
What did Weber suggest
That there were many sources of inequality and conflict in society, organised around differences in status and power
What were the stratification systems organised around
Three important dimensions to social stratification:
- Status
- Social class
- Party
Define the term Party
Weber defined this concept as a group such as a political party, pressure group such as a trade union or professional association that is able to wield power and influence over others
How did Weber see Status
As the most important cause of stratification and as a privilege or social honour. It is the amount of respect a person receives from society which might be expressed in economic reward or political defence.
Those who lack status are subjected to prejudice and discrimination from those with status
What did Weber believe about status
That it is derived from a range of different source. In the UK it is linked to a persons socio-economic position or social class. Like teachers have more status than their pupils.
Around the world what gender has more status and why
MEN
It derives from patriarchy which itself may be a product of men’s ability to use violence against women, tradition and mens dominance of culture.
What did Weber agree with Marx about
That social class was the most important type of status inequality.
What did Weber define Social class as
A group who share a similar market situation, that is, because of their skill-set, they receive similar economic rewards
Define Market situation
A Weberian concept that refers to a persons ability to attract higher rewards, for example, if a worker has a skill that is essential but is in very short supply they command an advantageous market position
How are there status differences in the working class
There are status differences between the ‘labour aristocracy’ those who are semi-skilled and unskilled but in work and those who are long-term unemployed and dependant on benefits
How did Weber see Party
Interest groups that either exercise power or influence or wish to do so.
How was Weber a major influence on Feminism
Because he emphasised the role of gender in shaping inequality and conflict
How do Neo-Marxists criticise the Weberian view
They criticise the notion of status differences within social classes because Marxists see these as deliberately created by the bourgeoisie in order to divide and rule workers so that they never achieve full class consciousness and become a revolutionary class
