DETERMINING SOCIAL CLASS Chapter 6 – Global Stratification - Sociology

Karl Marx: The Means of Production  Historical Background: The end of feudalism  Conclusion: Social Class depends on relationship to the means of production

Karl Marx: The Means of Production  Two Classes of People  Bourgeoisie: Capitalists; Those who own the means of production  Proletariat: Workers; Those who work for the owners

Karl Marx: The Means of Production  Class Consciousness: Awareness of a common identity based on one’s position in the means of production  Marx’s Prediction for the Future:  Workers will realize capitalists are the source of their oppression and will unite  Workers will overthrow capitalists and seize means of production  Workers will create a classless society

Karl Marx: The Means of Production  False Class Consciousness  Workers identifying with the interests of capitalists  Harms workers’ unity

Weber: Property, Prestige, &Power  Social Class has three components:  Property (Wealth) Ownership / control of wealth Apple Co-founder Steve Jobs Transformed His Wealth Into Prestige

Weber: Property, Prestige, &Power  Prestige Often derived from property Can derive from other sources – Ex: Olympians Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps has been able to transform his prestige into wealth Arnold Schwarzeneçgger Turned His Prestige Into Power as Governor of California

Weber: Property, Prestige, &Power  Power The ability to control others Property is a major source of power, but is not the only source Rod Blagojevich tried to transform his power into wealth Colin Powell’s power as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs led to prestige. His prestige, in turn, led to power when he was called to serve as Secretary of State

Why Is Stratification Universal?  Functionalist View  Stratification of society is inevitable because: Society must make sure certain positions are filled. Some positions are more important than others. The more important positions must be filled by the more qualified people. To motivate the more qualified people to fill these positions, society must offer them greater rewards.

Why Is Stratification Universal?  Criticisms of Functionalist View:  How do we know some positions are more important than others?  Our society is not a meritocracy – positions are not awarded on the basis of merit  If social stratification is functional, it should benefit everyone, but stratification is dysfunctional for many.

Why Is Stratification Universal?  The Conflict Perspective  Mosca’s Argument No society can exist unless it is organized, which requires leadership Leadership requires inequalities of power Human nature is self-centered: people will use their power to gain rewards for themselves