Marx and Weber on Stratification
Karl Marx and Max Weber made the most significant early contributions to the study of social stratification.
Weber emphasized power and prestige.
Marx focused on the economic functions of social classes, like income and wealth.
We will explore the economic side first by looking at Marx's beliefs.
Marx believed that society could be divided into 2 groups:
BOURGEOISIE - the class that owns the means of production
PROLETARIAT - the class that labors without owning the means of production
Marx believed that the economy determined the nature of society, and that the bourgeoisie would use their power to rule and exploit the proletariat. He emphasized the unequal distribution of economic resources. When discussing this issue, economists make a distinction between income and wealth.
Income is the amount of money received by an individual or group over a specific time period.
Wealth is the total economic resources held by a person or group.
It is important to understand the distinction between the two terms. This example might help: a farmer might have a very low yearly income, but might have a great deal of wealth because he owns so much land.
According to the 2000 census, 20% of US households received 49% of the nation's income. The poorest 20% received under 4% of the nation’s income. The income gap between the rich and poor in the US is growing.
Income distribution figures reveal economic inequality, but they do not show the full extent. To truly consider the extent of inequality, wealth must be considered.
The richest 20% of the population holds 84% of the wealth. (The top 1% alone has 39% of the total wealth.)
Marx believed that those who own and control capital (money) have the power in a society.
What about Max Weber?
Weber, however, argued that economic success and power are not the same. Weber argued that besides money, other sources, like knowledge or fame, can be used to expand power. He believed that power is also attached to social positions we hold.
For example, people in elected positions sometimes have power, but not great wealth. The annual salary for US Senators in 2014 was $174,000. Compare that to the salaries of professional athletes. Yet, Senators wield a great deal more power than athletes. In addition, public opinion helps that person gain prestige.
Prestige is defined by your culture and society. For example, a gang leader might have prestige within his gang, but would not have prestige in the larger society.
It is important to recognize that prestige must be voluntarily given, not claimed. Recognition must come from others. The social positions that are considered most important or most highly valued have the most prestige.
Because Americans value wealth and power, they tend to assign higher prestige to persons in positions of power. In America, most people achieve prestige because of their occupations. White-collar jobs (doctors, lawyers, teachers, ministers, etc.) have more prestige than blue-collar jobs (mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, etc.). This is the case, even though most plumbers have a higher annual income than most teachers. Even though wealth and power usually determine prestige, that is not always the case.
