Weberian

Question 1

Overall:

Answer 1

Agreed with Marx that social class is an economic aspect of inequality. However, Marx’s views were too simplistic, suggested that there is a complex nature of inequality.
3 factors influencing inequality; class, status and party (power)

Question 2

Power, Party and Status:

Answer 2

Power/Party – allows people to control society which is hierarchical
- Class – there is unequal distribution of wealth
- Status – respect and social position, key role in inequality
A03- Pakulski and Walters ‘death of class’, inequality based on cultural rather than economic inequality

Question 3

Townsend: Poverty & Status

Answer 3

Status can explain poverty of those reliant on state benefits.
Poor lack both wealth and status
Low status groups= retired, disabled, single parent, unemployed.
Because of their low status, they lack opportunities for access to paid employment.
Status = key cause of inequality

Question 4

Weber: Pluralism:

Answer 4

Weber can be seen as pluralist; power is distributed between a variety of groups in differing amounts.
Some groups have greats deals of power, whilst others have very little.
This inequality is held together through tradition and habit, rather than any deliberate attempt to take social control.

Question 5

Weber: Market Situation and Inequality

Answer 5

Key aspect of inequality is a person’s position in the economic structure.
Market situation is determined by the demand for people’s skills which can change over time.

Question 6

Weber: 4 Social Classes

Answer 6

Propertised Class: have money, status and political power
Professional Class: have status, some money and political power.
Petty Bourgeoisie: own small business, less status, money and power.
Working class: little or no status, class and power.
Supported by Goldthorpe’s 7 classes.

Question 7

Weber: Social Closure

Answer 7

Some groups try to protect their privileges and status by blocking other social groups.
Calls this ‘social closure’ - it excludes some groups (women and disabled) from entering a social group.
Walby: women experience oppression and exploitation, and are prevented from accessing the same opportunities as men.