Weber and his followers however, see that class is not only based on economic factors but also on status and power, so, for example an individual may be powerful but not very wealthy, for example, some politicians. Weberians look at status and power divisions that are based on gender and ethnic background as well as economic wealth.
The functionalists argue that an “open” social class system allows mobility between classes ensuring that the most talented individuals are given the opportunity to reach the top and to perform the roles vital for society. They think that intra-generational mobility is not too difficult to achieve, and society provides everyone with opportunities. Other sociologists would argue against this view and say that society is not as “open” as the functionalists make it out to be. For example, if an Eden student and a student from an ordinary state school were to apply to a university with the same the exam grades, the Eden student would be more likely to get the place because of their background.
In an “open” society, the social background of individuals should make no difference to their chance of mobility. However, as with the Eden and state school student, social class background and low levels of educational qualifications can reduce people’s chances of mobility. Gender and ethnic background can also influence opportunities. For example, although women may receive better qualifications than men, they may be less likely to move upwards through employment than men as a result of taking time out to bring up children. Recently it has become less common for employers to discriminate people because of their sex. This is because of legal changes like the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Sex Discrimination Act introduced in 1975. Ethnic minorities also used to face discrimination by employers. This has also become less common now as the Commission for Racial Equality was set up in 1976. Some researchers argue that there is much evidence to suggest that ethnicity is becoming less important as a form of stratification in Britain today, and that black people are gaining more influence in society. Black people have a high profile in the media, arts, trade union and sports. This suggests that recently it has become easier for women and ethnic minorities to move up the “social ladder”, as there is less discrimination towards them.
Sociologists have identified a number of other factors that lead to social mobility. Changes in fertility rates for the middle class have lead to fewer middle class children being able to fill the growing number of middle class jobs. Children of the working class have filled this gap. Marriage is a route to mobility, especially for women, who may then take on the class position of their husbands. However, most people will marry someone from a similar background to themselves. Social background can be seen as highly influential. For example children from middle class or privileged backgrounds may have a greater expectation of success, receive more encouragement, and enjoy certain advantages, perhaps based on educational opportunities or family contacts. Luck, such as a lottery win or an inheritance can also lead to mobility in terms of lifestyle. These factors suggest that it has become easier to move up the “ social ladder”.
I would like to agree with the Functionalists view of society. That society has become “open” and allows mobility between classes, ensuring that the most talented and dedicated individuals are given the opportunity to reach the top, to perform the roles that are vital for society. However I do not feel that this extent of social mobility has been achieved yet in society. I feel that since the 1950s the pattern of social mobility has shown a general upward movement, where it is not uncommon for people of working-class backgrounds, women, or ethnic minorities to enter professional and managerial jobs. I think that the division between working and middle class is becoming blurred and more fragmented. However, I also feel that at the other end of the spectrum there is becoming an increasingly bigger gap between the middle and upper class.