Class Definitions in Sociology- A Comparative Analysis of Max Weber and Karl Marx
Social class is evident in any society. The factors considered while determining an individual’s status vary with their society. Further, most sociologists agree that social class is determined based on wealth, education attainment, occupation, and income. This categorizing of individuals into social classes is referred to as social stratification. Accordingly, sociologists vary in the factors influencing social stratification. An excellent example is Max Weber’s perspective of social stratification, whereby he argues that individuals fall into two social classes: the bourgeoisie (people owning production methods) and the proletariat (people providing the labor) (Crash Course, 2017). This stratification overlooks other key factors considered in the social stratification of social classes.
I disagree with Marx’s definition of class, but I agree with the discussions in the readings and videos. In Marx’s definition of class, social stratification is based primarily on the economy, thus, owners and laborers (Gane, 2005). In contrast, many factors contribute to social stratification, including; wealth, education attainment, networking, occupation, and income; thus, yielding the social class structures.
In the United States, settling on one definition of social class is challenging due to the diverse cultures and societies of people living in the United States. People of different ethnicities and races live in the United States, thereby influencing their education attainment, occupation, and income, thus, influencing their wealth. Therefore, the definition and stratification of the social class become challenging.
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References
Crash Course. (2017). Social Class & Poverty in the US: Crash Course Sociology #24 [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8PEv5SV4sU
Gane, N. (2005). Max Weber as Social Theorist. European Journal Of Social Theory, 8(2), 211-226. doi: 10.1177/1368431005051764
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Question
After you complete this unit’s readings and videos, think about the second video’s presentation of the class definition. Max Weber’s idea of class is more about the opportunities available to a person, not so much the work that they do.
1)Do you agree with this idea more than Marx’s definition of class?
2)Also, why do you think that it is so difficult to agree on definitions of class in the United States?