Weberianism and inequality Flashcards
“dialogue with the ghost of Marx”
Weber addressed many of the same concerns addressed by Marx
Weber came to substantially different conclusions to those interpreted by Marx
Verstehen
Wanted to understand the meanings and motives behind people’s actions
Weakness of Marxism?
economically determined, Weber would suggest there is more to inequality than economic relationships
The Protestant Ethic
- Values of protestant religion led to the emergence of capitalism (17th centaury)
- Protestants adopted a more ‘individualistic’ attitude by seeking their own interpretations of Christianity, led to foundations of a greater sense of freedom
- Societies would have more induvial freedom are more open to change
Class
Marxist ideas of capitalist $$$ - the access to material possessions, wealth and occupation. Based on what the person can bring to the supermarket (their market situation)
Status
This is social standing within a community. This may be based on prestige. Usually held by white males. Does not mean they do not have money
Party
This is a political power and influence. Not just an MP but because you may have support in a union, charity or pressure group
Weber and pluralism
Marx described there being two social classes, Weber described 4
Propertied class - money, status, power
Professional class - status and some money/political power
Petty bourgeoise - small business owners
Working class - no status and political power
Neo-weberianism
Tried to correct errors in Marxist analysis, Neo-weberianisms have tried to adapt Weber’s ideas and apply them to the modern world
What do Neo-weberians need to address?
The growth in middle class and failure of revolution needs to be addressed
Goldthorpe
Instead of focusing on employment, relationships, conditions of work and life chances into is classification of class Supports much of Weber’s thinking that class is not as simple as Marx would have us believe
Weaknesses of Goldthrope
X Students fall outside these class boundaries
X Underplays disparities in wealth within the capitalist societies
X feminists - ignore separate earning potential/educational position of women in the labour market
X Arguably class system is more complex again than Goldthorpe has accepted
Giddens
Middle class have recognised skill, whereas the working class can only sell their labour They are valuable to technological change which means that working-class skills are not valued, job prospects are insecure
Barron and Norris
Dual labour market
Primary market - Middle and ruling class people
Secondary market - low status, lack of power jobs such as retail, zero hours work
Women and ethnic minorities
Rex and Tomlinson
- Weberian ideas to race relationships in Britain
- Marxism fails to account for race inequality
- Argues ethnic minorities experience low class and low status, compounded by lack of power
- Resulting in a black underclass, feeling frustrated and alienated from society , link to problems of police and racism and inner-city rioting
