Weberianism (40)

Question 1

Weberianism

Answer 1

The three-component theory of stratification, more widely known as Weberian stratification or the three class system, was developed by German sociologist Max Weber with class, status and power as distinct ideal types.

Question 2

Weber’s Definition of Power

Answer 2

The ability to impose one’s will over others, regardless of their views or feelings.

Question 3

Three Variables that Constitute Power within Society

Answer 3

1. ) Market Position: Class defined by the job you have
2. ) Status: The respect of the individual due to belonging to a group
3. ) Party: Political Power

Question 4

Pluralist

Answer 4

The view that power is distributed between a variety of different groups in society in differing amounts.

Question 5

Contrast to Marxism

Answer 5

Marz argued that inequality was due to the structure of society, whereas Weber argues that it is due to the culture of society.

Question 6

Neo-Weberian: Barron and Norris (1976)

Answer 6

Describe the concept of a dual labour market theory in which labour is split into primary (full-time, well paid, permanent jobs) and secondary (part-time, low paid, temporary jobs) sectors. This causes inequalities for minorities found in the secondary sector such as women and ethnic minorities who have limited opportunities for promotions.
Men’s wages are an average of 17% higher than women’s. Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (2017)

Question 7

Neo-Weberian: Giddens (2012)

Answer 7

Argues the middle class have skills based qualifications that advantage them in the workforce compared to the working class who can only sell their labour. Therefore creates inequality of opportunity as are vulnerable to technological changes that may leave them deskilled.

Question 8

Neo-Weberian: Rex and Tomlinson and Ethnic Inequality

Answer 8

Argued that ethnic minorities experience low status in British society due to racism and so are alienated from society causing inequality of opportunity due to their lower status.
White ethnic groups (aged 16-64) make up 77% of employment compared to 11% for Black Caribbeans. - Census (2011)

Question 9

Criticisms

Answer 9

1. ) Subjective, status is hard to measure

2. ) People can belong to a number of different groups at any one time. Which one is more important.

Question 10

Marxist Criticisms

Answer 10

Marxists, who argue that focusing on multiple social classes and different dimensions of inequality obscures the fundamental importance of class divisions in capitalist societies. Marxists argue that status distinctions within the working class are often encouraged as a means of ‘divide and rule’ by the ruling class and that the really important political struggles are linked to the class struggle and conflicts over economic interests.

Question 11

Conclusion

Answer 11

Our power is defined by status, class and party in which we can experience more inequality in some more than others.