Class
Unlike previous systems, class divisions are not legally or religiously bound but depend on economic factors.
Marx and Weber’s theories of stratification are most influential and only differ slightly. Marx defines stratification as being primarily based on economic factors and the immense divide between the capitalist and the worker.
Weber adopts the same perspective, but also recognises the aspects of party and status. Party refers to the common interests that bind social classes together such as political parties. Status is the ‘social honour given to individuals or groups’ (p.280).
The theories of Marx and Weber assist the understanding of how stratification contributes to contemporary society. There is still a huge level of inequality today, however according to Braverman, classes are becoming increasingly fragmented, proving it difficult to determine boundary lines.
The affluent working classes are expanding, as is the mobility into middle class due to the emergence of the managerial and professional sector. This relates to contemporary society due to conspicuous consumption, whereby the consumption patterns of people are unable to assume their class any longer.
The focus on inequalities between men and women is one that is still largely evident in contemporary society. Stratification theories have usually been written by men due to the assumption that gender and class inequalities are linked.
The opportunities for women have increased however there are still apparent restrictions. Even today, women are subordinate in the workplace and some are often confined to the home due to the domestic sphere of the family. In contrast, men have a ‘public life’ enabling the progression of careers and less constraints to the home. It should not be assumed that women are homogenous, only that this is a pattern that has emerged. In contemporary society, the opportunities for childcare increase the employment opportunities for women, enabling both genders to progress in their careers.
Social mobility refers to individual and group movements between classes. There are a number of different types of mobility. The following two are commonly linked; Vertical mobility refers to the movement up or down the socio-economic scale. Lateral mobility is the geographical movement between regions.
The study of social mobility focus’ on intra-generational mobility, whereby it is measured through the achievement of the individual in their entire working life. Inter-generational mobility is measured with comparisons to parents and grandparents.
Poverty exists in contemporary society and continues to be the largest inequality. There are two definitions of poverty, Absolute poverty is the lack of necessities to live and maintain health. Relative poverty is living conditions in comparison to others in society.
This reading has contributed to my understanding of contemporary society and my place within it in various ways. It has enabled me to understand that there are inequalities in every aspect of society, which can affect life chances. For example, in the education system a student from a higher class is more likely to attain better grades than a student who is living in poverty, due to economic inequalities. Coming from a lower class draws restrictions on aspects such as materials needed to assist their studies and further education. This can lead to a restricted education, which can lower life chances. This example helps me understand my position in society, as my parents were able to provide economically for my education. I feel that this gives me better chances in the employment sector.
However, the reading on stratification insights me to the fact that nothing is permanent, there is always the opportunity to be socially mobile although it is not simple. I recognise that there are contributing factors such as age and gender that can affect life chances and being a woman, I believe this to be true. I think it is accurate that many women sacrifice work to comply with domestic roles and this has a huge affect on their position in society.
Bibliography:
Sociology 3rd Edition, Published 1997, Anthony Giddens
