Chapter 9

Concepts and Theories of Stratification

Chapter Outline

Conceptions of Social Class Marx’s Concept of Class Weber’s Three Dimensions of Stratification Status Inconsistency Social Mobility Marx and the Classless Society The Functionalist Theory of Stratification The Social Evolution Theory of Stratification The Conflict Theory of Stratification

Plato’s Conception Of Social Class

There were two classes in ancient Greek society: rich and poor.

Plato believed they were locked in eternal conflict.

Aristotle’s Conception Of Social Class

Divided Greek society into three classes:– Rapacious upper class– Servile lower class– Worthy middle class

The middle class, having all virtues and all failings in moderation, could be trusted to see after the common good.

Marx’s Concept Of Class

Marx saw the history of human societies as a history of one ruling class being overthrown by a new one.

Identified four classes in ancient Rome—patricians, knights, plebians,and slaves.

Marx expected modern capitalist societies to consist of only two classes, the bourgeosie and the proletariat.

The Bourgeoisie and the Proletariat Classes

Defined in terms of their relationship to the means of production.

The bourgeoisie owns the means of production.

The proletariat does not own such means and must sell his or her labor to the bourgeoisie.

Weber’s Three Dimensions Of Stratification

Based stratification on three independent factors:– Class (property)– Status (prestige) – Party (power)

Mosca: Three-step “proof” that societies must be stratified

1. Human societies cannot exist without political organization.

2. Whenever there is political organization (or society), there must be inequalities in power.

3. Because human nature is self-serving, people with more power will use it to exploit others and gain material advantages.

Theoretical Approaches to Stratification

Functionalist theory – explains that because some workers are much less replaceable than others, rewards will be different.

Evolutionary theory - explainshow specialization arises in societies.

Conflict theory - stratification will reflect the outcome of conflict among groups in a society.