weberism theory applied to social class

Question 1

how did max weber (1864-1920) identify classes?

Answer 1

as having common resources who use these to try close off opportunities to those below and break through barriers of those above.

Question 2

what does this view focus on?

Answer 2

market position and competing resources ignoring exploitation

Question 3

what is methodological individualism?

Answer 3

aims to break down collectives such as “classes” in order to see them as the outcome of social actions of individual persons.

Question 4

what to weber causes differentiation?

Answer 4

It is this “market” or economic” position that determines class position.

Question 5

Describe weber and life chances

Answer 5

type of education, health diet, housing, and working conditions a person may experience in their life. different classes have different life chances. 
those in a better market position have better chances in life, so better education better health etc.
groups may share similar class position, but may not organise themselves to better their position (acceptance etc)

Question 6

describe class property and party

Answer 6

status and party two other sources of power that weaken coherence of class groups.
status= social power, which comes from belonging to  a particular group eg priest may not have strong economic position but a high status
party= belonging to a particular group that influences in society, eg pressure group or political party. Belonging to such a group may weaken class unity and promote the interest of group members. eg men from f=different walks of life belong to the freemasons.

Question 7

describe webers prediction for the future.

Answer 7

capitalism would develop. As it develops it ouwld need more and more administrative posts to support it. more AP means more white collar work. Increase of WCW means an expansion of the middle class. This in turn would lead to more diversification and mobility.

Question 8

strengths of weberianism

Answer 8

identifies divisions rather than class
highlights the importance of consumption rather than production
individual conciousness is seen as important

Question 9

weaknesses of weber

Answer 9

underestimates importance of class divisions in society
assumes there is "Status" and party consciousness without demonstrating it
unclear about the relationship between class, property and status.