Analyze an aspect of Social Stratification as it pertains to Social Class.

Question

Analyze an aspect of Social Stratification as it pertains to Social Class according to 1 of the 3 major sociological perspectives. Be sure to identify which perspective you are using and to provide an example that illustrates your analysis.

Answer 1

Social stratification is a hierarchical arrangement of groups whose power, influence, resources, and opportunities differ. Thus, the higher one is positioned, the more rewards, status, and privilege they receive. As you can see, social stratification is important for understanding social inequality, or differences in life opportunities. There are different types of social stratification based on the status, or position, on which groups are ranked. We can be socially ranked by our raced, gendered, and classed positions.

However, in this case, let's talk about class. The most common indicators of social class are education, occupation, income, and wealth. These combined are important for determining our economic resources, which squarely positions us in the economic structure and, more specifically, the labor market. There are three main sociological perspectives that can help us understand class stratification: functionalist theory, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. The best approach is conflict theory.

Conflict theory was derived from the works of Karl Marx, a German philosopher interested in the exploitative effects of capitalism. Capitalism is an economy based on the private ownership of the means of production, or the resources necessary to produce products. Those who owned the means of production are referred to as the "bourgeoisie" (the ruling class), whereas those not owning these resources are referred to as the "proletariat" (the working class). Given that capitalism is profit driven, Marx viewed it as exploitative and conflictual. Based on his view, it is in the interest of the bourgeoisie to economically exploit the proletariat; and it is in the interest of the proletariat to overcome their economic exploitation. For Marx, this produced competing interests; in turn, politicizing both groups and their relationship. Thus, according to Marx, he predicted a revolutionary war whereby the proletariat would recognize their collective exploitation, unite, and overthrow the bourgeoisie, in turn, dismantling capitalism.

In light of Marx's view on class stratification, can you think of examples that fit, or, at best, resemble this theory of class conflict? Once you identify an example, analyze, or relate, your example to his theory of class stratification.

I hope that you find this helpful! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need me to review your answer!

Always thinking sociologically,

Stefanie "The Sociology Enthusiast"