Social classes

Class System- is a social ranking based primarily on

economic position in which achieved
characteristics can influence social mobility.

- maintains stable stratification hierarchies and

patterns of class divisions, and they too are
marked by unequal distribution of wealth and
power.

5 class model according to Daniel ossides

- upper class, upper middle class, lower middle
class, working class, lower class

!arl "ar# $ viewed class differentiation as the

crucial determinant of social, economic, and
political inequality.

%n "ar#&s view, social relations during any period

of history depend on who controls the primary
mode of economic production such as land or
factories.

Capitalism- an economic system in which the

means of production are held largely in the
private hands and the main incentive for
economic activity is the accumulation of profits.

'ourgeoisie or capitalist class- owns the means

of production such as factories and machinery.

(rolectariat- is the working class

Class consciousness- a sub)ective awareness of

common vessel interests and the need for
collective political action to bring about social
change.

*alse consciousness- or an attitude held by

members of a class that does not accurately
reflect their ob)ective position.

"a# +eber&s view of stratification- insisted that no

single characteristic such as class totally defines a
person&s position within the stratification system.

- , distinct components of stratification- class, status

and power

Class- refer to a group of people who have similar

level of wealth

Status group- refer tom people who have same

prestige or lifestyle.

(ower- is the ability to e#ercise one&s will over

others.

%nteractionist view- 'oth !arl and "a# +eber

looked at inequality primarily from
macrosociological perspective, considering
the entire society or even the global
economy.

%s Stratification -niversal. /es

*unctionalist view- in the view of !ingsley

Davis and +ilbert "oore- society must
distribute its members among variety of
social positions. Staffed by people with the
appropriate talents and abilities.

Conflict view- the writings of !arl "a# lie at the heart

of conflict theory. "ar# viewed history as a continuous
struggle between the oppressors and the oppressed,
which would ultimately culminate in an egitarian,
classless society.

Dahrendorf- modified "ar#&s analysis to modern

capitalist societies.

Conflict theorists, including Danredorf, contend that

the powerful of today, want society to run smoothly so
that they can en)oy their privileged positions.

Dominant ideology- describes a set of cultural beliefs

and practices that helps to maintain powerful social,
economic, and political interests.