Page 52 - DSOC202_SOCIAL_STRATIFICATION_ENGLISH

Rosy Hastir, Lovely Professional University Unit 4: Theories of Social Stratification-II

Unit 4: Theories of Social Stratification-II Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
4.1 Theories of Social Stratification
4.2 Theoretical Formulations of Karl Marx
4.3 Theoretical Formulations of Max Weber
4.4 Structural–Functional Theory
4.5 Summary
4.6 Key–Words
4.7 Review Questions
4.8 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit students will be able to:
• Know the Theories of Social Stratification.
• Explain the Theoretical Formulations of Karl Marx.
• Describe the Theoretical Formulation of Max Weber.
• Understand the Structural–Functional Theory.
Introduction

With heightened socio-political awakening, emergence of civil society and demand for human
rights, notions of equality and inequality and approaches to the study of social stratification need
a relook and redefining. Social stratification today is not just there in terms of industrialization or
agricultural transformation, it is being reshaped by means of transport and communication,
education, mobility, and new and modern occupations. However, the point remains : How resources
of society are appropriated/distributed ? Who have easy access to the available opportunities and
who face social impediments and remain deprived ? The dichotomy between the owning/managing
families, individuals and groups and the propertyless people persists in all human societies. Karl
Marx is the main exponent of such a divide between the rich and the poor. The Marxian perspective
is quite broad and all-encompassing, granting, however, primacy to economic relations as the
base of hierarchy and stratification.
Several other explanations could be listed. We would mention a few here, and discuss only the
Marxian, Weberian and structural-functional perspectives in detail.

4.1 Theories of Social Stratification

Class and occupations are closely intertwined and social class has the style of life as an important
aspect. Occupation is an important aspect of membership of a class. The style of life aspect of
occupation is noted as a significant phenomenon in all societies. Class stabilizes life chances — for
the recruitment process and for the inner structure of the class. George Simmel emphasizes on
hierarchical structure of the society, by explaining the pattern of super- and sub-ordination and

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 47