The Theories Of Class Stratification - 2212 Words

Class stratification is a major way that social groups in a hierarchical system that differ from each other in terms of prestige, wealth and power. Many of these social groups or classes usually share a common interest and a common identity that separates them from other social groups within society. In this essay I will discuss 3 contrasting theories, explain the difference between the three theories, apply three contrasting theories as evidence towards the conflicting theories and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses. The three contrasting theories of Class stratification are Karl, Marx, Max Weber and functionalist’s views. Firstly a Marxist perspective of Class stratification is that they regard it as a divisive rather than a structure because they see it as a mechanism whereby some exploit others rather than as a means of collective goals as many humans being are portrayed by. (Haralambros and Holborn 2013) Karl Marx view of Social Stratification by two major social groups such as the ruling class (Bourgeoisie) and the subject class (Proletariat ) The power of the ruling class comes from its ownership and the control of the means of production. Karl Marx portrayed the ruling class as the oppressors because they oppress the subject class. As a result of this, there is a basic conflict between the two classes. (Haralambros and Holborn 2013) From a Marxist perspective, the systems of Social Stratification derive the relationships of the social groups to the means ofShow MoreRelatedSocial S tratification and Class Essay1531 Words   |  7 Pagesbacks of the middle class. To people in the lower class, the promise is held that in a capitalist society, by working hard you can lift yourself out of the lower income bracket to join the middle class. Entrepreneurs who can find a need and fill it can make it into the upper class. The point is that this kind of thinking, a product of social stratification theory, is ingrained upon our minds. As a society, we accept it as a fact that we live in a multi-tiered class system, and thatRead MoreCompare the Functionalist and Marxist Views on Social Stratification1740 Words   |  7 PagesSOCIAL STRATIFICATION. Social stratification refers to the presence of distinct social groups which are ranked one above the other in terms of factors such as prestige and wealth (Haralambos Holborn, 2004). Those who belong to a particular group or stratum will have some awareness of common interests and a common identity. They also share a similar lifestyle which, to some extent, will distinguish them from members of other social strata (Lenski, 1984). Social stratification involvesRead MoreCompare the Functionalist and Marxist Views on Social Stratification1734 Words   |  7 PagesCRITICALLY COMPARE MARXISM AND FUNCTIONALISM IN THE WAY EACH PERSPECTIVE CONCEPTUALIZES THE PHENOMENON OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION. Social stratification refers to the presence of distinct social groups which are ranked one above the other in terms of factors such as prestige and wealth (Haralambos Holborn, 2004). Those who belong to a particular group or stratum will have some awareness of common interests and a common identity. They also share a similarRead MoreContemporary Theory: Stratification Essay examples1245 Words   |  5 PagesA major concern of modern-day theory would be the impacts of stratification within society. Social stratification is defined as the â€Å"hierarchical or vertical division of society according to rank, caste, or class† (Dictionary.com 2014). Social stratification can be operationally defined â€Å"as the systematically unequal distribution of power, wealth, and status (Bowles 2013; Kerbo 2000). Stratification sets up that all known societies past and present â€Å"distribute its scarce and demanded goods and servicesRead MoreSocial Stratification And Its Effects On Soc iety1266 Words   |  6 PagesSocial stratification is a way people categorize others in a socioeconomic strata. Social stratification has four principles: social stratification has and continues to persist over generations, it involves inequality, beliefs and other economic and ideological standards, it is universal but variable, and it is also a â€Å"trait† of society. Social stratification doesn’t categorize certain individuals by their looks or popularity, but instead categorizes by different aspects such as the job they haveRead MoreSocial Stratification1189 Words   |  5 PagesQ1A. The question of the inevitability of social stratification is one of the fundamental bases of the theories of Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore. Davis and Moore (1945) argue that as long as there is division of labor in the society, and that there are variability in the roles with varying degrees of importance, stratification will occur. There is a significant difference in the wage s of CEO’s and a minimum wage earner because according to the theory, there is a functional necessity of providingRead MoreSocial Stratification1747 Words   |  7 Pageswhat social stratification is, and why sociologists consider it crucial to our understanding of today’s society. In addition it will also be discussing the three dimensions of social stratification and how we think its changed since the 1970s and 80s to today, and which theory we think best explains this change. Along with how the inequality of valued resources impacts America as a whole, and how the recent financial meltdown has made stratification worse in America. Stratification can be definedRead MoreSocial Stratification According to Marx and Weber1163 Words   |  5 PagesSocial stratification is the hierarchical arrangement of individuals into divisions of power and wealth within a society. Social stratification relates to the socio-economic concept of class, consisting of the upper class, middle class, and lower class. Each class may be further subdivided into smaller classes through the main indicator is occupation. This is the most practical and most effective means of encompassing the wide variety of economic and social elements that go to make up a person’sRead MoreSocial Stratification1589 Words   |  7 PagesDISCUSS TO ASSESS THE APPLICABILITY OF THE CONFLICT THEORY IN EXPLAINING STRATIFICATION. ‘Stratification’ is a term used to characterize a structure of inequality where individuals occupy differentiated structural positions and the positions are situated in layers (or strata) that are ranked hierarchically according to broadly recognized standards .( Durlauf 1999) The conflict theory in relation to social stratification argues that stratification,†reflects the distribution of power in society andRead MoreWhat Do Sociologists Mean by Social Stratification?1506 Words   |  7 Pagessociologists mean by social stratification? Discuss its consequences for society and for individuals living within it. Illustrate and support your response with sociological argument and evidence. Sociologists have varying views on social stratification, therefore their approach to how it can impact society and individuals results in very different concepts. This piece of work will identify and discuss the key points which are significant to the sociological debate. Social Stratification is ‘a system by