Social Class and Social Inequality

How is “Society” Organized? All sociologists would agree that “society” is not a monolithic arrangement- it has parts. Society can be divided among: –Interdependent institutions –Genders –Various groups and networks –… and many, many other elements. The “Conflict Approaches” in sociology see society as comprising inequality and conflict among its elements.

Principles of Social Stratification “Stratification” refers to a system of inequality. Society is stratified. Five principles: –It’s social, not “natural.” –It’s persistent, even as societies change. –It’s omnipresent in nearly all social settings, even in socialist systems. –It’s supported by ideology. –It’s micro- as well as a macro-level.

Systems of Stratification Ascription vs Achievement: Both are at work in social stratification. Caste: A purely ascription-based system. Class: A combination of ascription and achievement. Meritocracy: A purely achievement-based system.

Cultural Conflict Theories Sellin and others look to culture as the stratifying principle. –Culture=a social group’s beliefs, values, ways of adapting to their natural environment, etc. –Cultural conflict occurs through immigration, changes in borders, etc. –Dominant cultural groups “win” in conflict by assimilating the less-powerful group or treating it as deviant.

Group Conflict Approaches Developed by Weber and his heirs (eg Dahrendorf) Society consists of various interest groups that vary in power. These interests groups are defined by: –Financial situation (CLASS- and there are many classes according to Weber) –Prestige (STATUS) –Political position (PARTY) “Power” can entail any of these dimensions and for some people all three of them.

Marxist Approaches Marxian vs Marxist Marx simplified view of society as consisting of two at-odds groups under capitalism, the “proletariat” and the “bourgeoisie.” Bourgeoisie’s interests dominate in ALL areas of social life and private life too. Contemporary Marxists differ on certain fundamental definitions: –Instrumental Marxists –Structural Marxists

Feminist Approaches Gender is the stratifying principle. Feminist approaches are varied: –Marxist/Socialist feminism –Radical feminism –Liberal feminism