Weberianism on Inequality Flashcards
Define ‘stratification’.
The hierarchical layering of society into distinct groups with different levels of wealth and status.
What did Weber define as power?
The ability to impose one’s will over others, regardless of their views and feelings.
Identify Weber’s 3 variables that constitute a person’s power within society.
1) Market position - class defined by job
2) Status - the respect of the individual due to belonging to a group
3) Party - political power
What does a being ‘pluralist’ mean?
The view that power is distributed between a variety of different groups in society in differing amounts.
How do Weber’s views contrast to Marx’s in terms of inequality.
Marx argued that inequality was due to the structure of society, whereas Weber argues that it is due to the culture of society.
What is the modernised version of Weberianism?
Neo-Weberianism
Identify 3 important Neo-Weberianism thinkers.
1) Barron and Norris (1976)
2) Giddens (2012)
3) Rex and Tomlinson (1979)
How do Barron and Norris (1976) explain inequality?
Barron and Norris (1976) 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, etc.
Give a piece of evidence to support gender inequalities in the labour market.
Men’s wages are an average of 17% higher than women’s.
- Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (2017)
How does Giddens (2012) explain inequality?
Giddens (2012) argues the middle class have skills based qualifications that advantage them in the workforce compared to working class who can only sell their labour. Therefore creates inequality of opportunity as are vulnerable to technological changes that may leave them deskilled.
How does Rex and Tomlinson (1979) explain ethnic inequality?
Rex and Tomlinson (1979) 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.
Give a piece of evidence to support ethnic inequalities in the labour market.
White ethnic groups (aged 16-64) make up 77% of employment compared to 11% for Black Caribbeans.
- Census (2011)
According to Weberianism what inequalities arise in the workplace?
Lower power in society as a result from lower status may lead to limited job opportunities.
Identify 2 criticisms of Weberianism as an explanation for inequality.
1) Status is subjective and hard to measure
2) People can belong to a number of different status groups at the same time, with no indication of which is most important
Describe the conclusion to Weberianism and Neo-Weberianism as theories that explain inequality.
Our power in society is defined by our status, class, and party in which we can experience inequalities in, some in more than others.
