DETERMINING SOCIAL CLASSChapter 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

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

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

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

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

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