Sociology: Stratification and Differentiation

This video explores Weberian theories of stratification, contrasting them with Marx's views. Weber argued that class conflict is not inevitable and society evolves into diverse social classes based on social class, status, and power. He introduced the concept of market situation, where individuals gain status through scarce skills. Social closure prevents new money from gaining status, emphasizing cultural capital. Weber's classification includes property-owning class, intelligentsia, petty bourgeoisie, and manual workers. Goldthorpe expanded on Weber's ideas, creating a detailed class schema. Weber's theories remain influential in understanding social mobility and class differentiation.

What is the main difference between Weber's and Marx's views on class conflict?

• Weber argued that class conflict is not inevitable.

• Weber believed class conflict is inevitable.

• Marx rejected the idea of two polarized social classes.

• Marx believed society would evolve into multiple social classes.

According to Weber, what are the three broad characteristics that stratify society?

• Social class, wealth, and education

• Status, power, and wealth

• Social class, status, and party

• Wealth, power, and education

How do individuals gain status according to Weber?

• Through political affiliation

• By inheriting wealth

• By owning the means of production

• Through their market situation

Why do cardiovascular surgeons have higher status than general practitioners according to Weber?

• They have more political power

• They earn more money

• Their skills are more scarce and in demand

• They work longer hours

What is an example of social closure as described by Weber?

• Footballers gaining high status through wealth

• Manual laborers earning promotions

• Professors and academics having higher status

• Old money individuals maintaining higher status through cultural norms

What does Weber's concept of 'party' refer to?

• The social class of an individual

• The wealth of an individual

• The status of an individual

• The power that individuals have

Which class did Weber describe as the 'property less intelligentsia'?

• Middle classes including professors and senior managers

• Manual working class

• Property owning class

• Petty bourgeoisie

How did Goldthorpe's model differ from Marx's view of social class?

• It introduced 11 different categories of social class

• It categorized society into two classes

• It ignored political affiliation

• It focused solely on wealth

What additional elements did Goldthorpe include in his analysis of social class?

• Cultural norms and values

• Education and income

• Political affiliation and life chances

• Market situation and wealth

What does Goldthorpe's model demonstrate about social class hierarchies?

• They are static and unchanging

• They are irrelevant in contemporary society

• They are solely based on wealth

• They have evolved from two classes to multiple groups