Essentials of Sociology

How did Karl Marx differ from Max Weber in his conception of social class?

Karl Marxs main argument was that class was determined by economic factors only. However, Max Weber argued that social stratification could not solely be defined by class and the economic factors that affect class relationships. In Marxs argument, class is a social group whose members have the same relationship to the production means. Marx states there are two major social classes, namely the ruling class and the subject class. The ruling class has power since they control them and own forces of production. Therefore, the ruling class can use its power to exploit the subject class resulting in a fundamental conflict of interests between the two classes. The relationship between the two classes is one of mutual dependence, even if there are conflicts. In a capitalist society, the ruling class cannot operate the machinery, and they require the subject class to do the manual work. Th subject class does not own any means of production, and they need to sell their labor for survival. While the relationship is mutual as each group needs the other, Marx sees it as a relationship between the exploited and exploiter or oppressed and oppressor. According to Marx, political power comes from economic power. Therefore, the ruling class dominates political and social institutions since economic factors shape them. The continued oppression and domination eventually lead to conflict between the social classes, which leads to social change.

Webers class theory was built partly on Marxs class theory, but it differs. According to Weber, class is one form of stratification, and the other dimensions are party and status. Weber agrees with Marx that economic factors cause class divisions, and ownership versus...

Weber identified four classes instead of two as determined by Marx. Webers classes are the manual working class, the petty bourgeoise, the property-less white-collar workers, and the dominant entrepreneurial and propertied groups. Weber believes the class is different from status. Status is derived from the positive and negative social esteem attribution made by others. A class represents the unequal distribution of economic rewards. The consideration of status is vital since frequently status rather than class offers the basis for social groups with a common identity and common interest. There can be different status groups in a single class, leading to the weakening of class solidarity, decreasing the potential for the growth of class consciousness.

To what extent does sociology challenge common sense? Provide some examples for this

Many people believe sociology is the...

…of ordinary people

A primary group is small and characterized by personal, close, and intimate relationships that will last for a long time, even a lifetime. The connections are intensely personal and loaded with emotion. Members of the primary group include family, friends, romantic partners, and religious groups. Primary groups will comprise people who have regular face-to-face and verbal interactions. The groups members regularly engage in activities together. The bond of the primary group members is made up of caring, love, loyalty, concern, and support. Primary groups are informally organized, and the group rules are implicit.

A secondary group is made up of relatively temporary and impersonal relationships that are task-oriented or goal-oriented. The connections are often found in educational and employment settings. Secondary group relationships are formed around goals or narrow ranges of practical interests. The group is functional and created for a particular task or to achieve a goal. An individual becomes a member of a secondary group voluntarily because of the shared interests they have with the others involved in the group. Secondary groups have no primary influence on their members since they do not live in the thoughts and presence of other group members. Secondary groups have a formally organized structure, rules, and an authority figure to oversee the groups members, rules, and…