Weberian

Question 1

Weberian Perspective

Answer 1

Social class is an economic aspect of inequality

There is a complex nature of inequality

Suggested there are three factors influencing inequality; class, status and party

Question 2

Class

Answer 2

Social class involves the unequal access to possessions or wealth

Some people have significant access to wealth, whilst others have limited access, this reflects class inequality

Question 3

Status

Answer 3

Status is social position

Designer items increase social position, as a result people gain respect from others

Question 4

Peter Townsend
Poverty & Status

Answer 4

Status can explain poverty of those reliant on state benefits

The poor lack both wealth and status

Low status groups include retired, disabled, unemployed

Due to their low status, they lack opportunities for access to paid employment

Question 5

Party

Answer 5

This is power

Refers to being able to influence others, both socially and politically

Weber suggests party is a significant aspect of inequality, with some having greater influence than others

Question 6

Weber & Pluralism

Answer 6

Weber can be seen as pluralistic; power is distributed between a variety of different groups in differing amounts

Suggests this inequality is held together through tradition and habit, rather than any deliberate attempt to take social control

Question 7

Weber
Market Situation

Answer 7

Weber suggested a persons position in the economic structure is a key aspect of inequality

Market situation is determined by the demand for peoples skills, which can change over time

Market situation is a major factor in social class and status inequality

Question 8

Weber
Four Social Classes

Answer 8

Propertised Class:
-these have money, status and political power

Professional Class:
-have status and some money and political power

Petty Bourgeoisie:
-small business owners, have less status, money and power, but are significant in their own communities

Working Class:
-have little or no status, class and political power

Question 9

Weber
Social Closure

Answer 9

Restricting others opportunities through racism, patriarchy, classism etc

Some groups try to protect their privileges and status by blocking other social groups

Social closure excludes some groups i.e women from entering a social group

Question 10

Weber suggests…..

Answer 10

That society is fragmented and divided between multiple social groups, competing for different forms of social resources, power and wealth