Stratisfication
This essay is going to look at both the Karl Marx theory and Max Weber's theory of stratification. " Stratification refers to the division of society into layers. These layers are distinguished by unequal rewards and life chances. Most sociologists see stratification as involving a classification not only of the groups, but also of the relationships that exist between them"(Longman 1996 pg12) The essay will concentrate mainly on stratification in the class system. To begin the essay will look at the Marxist perspective then go on to look at Weber's perspective and some of the similarities and differences in the two theories. Secondly the essay will look at the strengths and weaknesses of both theories, being applied to contemporary UK society, finally the conclusion will seek to explain which theory is more relevant to today's society and why. "The economy was society for him"(Shepard J 1999 pg 188) Marx's theory is based on the economics in society. Marx talks about the western world as being capitalist societies. Marx explains that the capitalist societies superstructure works by there being two classes in society the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The bourgeoisie are the owners of land the u
Weber also agreed with Marx that the basis of class are with the owners and non owners of capital but recognised that there were classes between these and those are according to 'market situation' Weber says a persons market situation depends on the skills, knowledge and qualifications a person can bring into the market, these have different rewards such as income, job security, benefits and the ability to be socially mobile, according to Weber the effect of this is that society does not become class conscious. Marx feels that the bourgeoisie control society by there power over the countries economics, that there is a exploitative relationship between the two classes that the bourgeoisie fight amongst each other to maintain there place in society by making more profit by making their labours work longer hours to produce higher numbers of products for sale and not paying the workers their worth. Marx saw this as being possible as society is in a state of false consciousness, this means society is not aware of their needs and interests as a unified group and that when society becomes class conscious and developed unified interests there will be an uprising and society will be forced to become fair for all, that the surplus in society would be shared by all that what was originally the capitalists profit would be equally distributed throughout society, Marx said that this would only be possible through a communist socialist society. The proletariat are the workers, labourers the non-owners of property in society. K today, in Althussers (a structural Marxist) theory he stated that the means of ruling society for the state through their ideology was done by using religion media culture and education, he saw that education had replaced religion that today in schools children receive state ideology that prepare them for life as an adult in a capitalist society Althusser saw institutions like the law, courts, army and the police as a repressive means to exercise power. today and what this means to both perspectives in terms of stratification. London: Longman Group UK LimitedKirby, M et al. E Durkheim a Functionalist saw education as a way of keeping social order, other functionalists point out that the education system is fair that it qualifies people according to their ability, that there is a balance between intelligence and achievement and that it also ensures most people get the most responsible and best paid work.
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heinemann educational publishers,
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Acceptance Essays
