Lecture #9
Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality
“Why are we stratified?”
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Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Karl Marx
Max Weber
Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality
“Why are we stratified?”
Functionalism
Social stratification and social inequality are “functional,”
and thus “beneficial” to society in terms of its smooth
and effective operation.
Stratification and inequality are source of social order.
Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality
“Why are we stratified?”
Conflict theorists
“Functional” and “beneficial” to whom?
Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality
“Why are we stratified?”
Conflict theorists
A reflection of the unequal distribution of power in society
and as a primary source of conflict and coercion.
Stratification serves the interests of groups of people at the
top.
Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality
“Why are we stratified?”
Karl Marx
1818 –1883
Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality
“Why are we stratified?”
Karl Marx
- ownership of “means of production”
- the ability to purchase and control the labor of others.
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On the basis of these criteria, societies are divided into…
“Bourgeoisie(or Capitalists)”
“Proletariat(or Workers)”
Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality
“Why are we stratified?”
Karl Marx
Bourgeoisie, who owns “means of production,” can control
Proletariat’s livelihoods.
The rich tend to get richer, to use their wealth to create more
wealth for themselves, and to act in ways that will protect
their interests and positions in society.
Workers are “exploited.”
Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality
“Why are we stratified?”
Karl Marx
Those in power have access to the means necessary to create
and promote a reality that justifies their exploitative
actions.
“False (class) consciousness”
Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality
“Why are we stratified?”
Max Weber
1864 – 1920
Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality
“Why are we stratified?”
Max Weber
- Status
“the differences between groups in the social honor, or
prestige, which are accorded by others.” (p.254)
Class/Status
Closely related, but the one does not determine the other.
Class: economically-based
Status: life styles
We are different
We are also ranked (stratified).
- Global inequality (Chapter 9)
- Gender (Chapter 10)
- Race/Ethnicity (Chapter 11)
- Age (Chapter 12)
Chapter 9: Global Inequality
Countries are not merely different, but also stratified.
Inequalities between countries
“Developed” countries
“Developing” countries
“High-income”
“Middle-income”
“Low-income”
Theories of Global Inequality
Why are countries stratified?
(p.278-)