Weberianism and Stratification

Max Weber Max Weber was writing just after Marx – much of his writing was in response to Marx. Weber criticised Marx’s conception of class saying that the working class does not become more homogenous or conscious as capitalism develops.

Weber and Class Weber said 2 things were as important as ownership in understanding stratification 1. Status – some jobs have lots of status due to a favourable ‘market situation’ and therefore higher pay, better lifestyles etc. 2. Party – some groups have greater political influence through the membership of influential groups and organisation – professional associations, unions, the Masons, the golf club etc. The power of Secret Societies

Definition of Class Weber therefore defined social class by references to clusters of occupations with similar status, lifestyle and influence – the influence of this approach can be seen in the various occupations schemas used today e.g. RG and NS-SEC

Weber’s Four Classes Using his definition Weber identified 4 social classes 1. The privileged by virtue of property and/or education 2. The petit-bourgeoisie – shopkeepers and small businessmen 3. White collar workers – technicians, clerks, managers 4. Blue collar workers – the manual working class

Evaluation Important to acknowledge the importance of status and party Criticised by Marxists for underestimating the importance of ownership