tness much more of the strata spectrum than our ancestors would have.
             Historically, divisions in all societies have always existed, however, it wasn't until the 1800's, that sociologists began to examine and analyse the social structure in a more scientific fashion, and report their theories and findings. There were two theories that dominated this era, functionalism and communism. Both of them aid us to underpin an understanding of the material causes of social inequality.
             Karl Marx (1818 – 1883) was a sociological theorist who examined the characteristics of social relationships that produce injustice, inequality and misery. Living during early stages of industrialisation, led him to identify the presence of two classes at this time. There were those who owned the capital to make a product (also referred to as the dominant class or bourgeoisie), and those who had labour to sell (subordinate class or proletariat). This division in labour was brought about by a division in material possession. Marx argued that "membership in social classes made up of workers or owners limits the freedom of individuals to act as they would like : workers must take low wage jobs to survive, and owners must pay low wages to keep their profit high" (Pampel, F. 2000, p.2). Marx was very critical of the capitalist society, which he held responsible for the class differences. Ultimately, he predicte
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