Marxism believed that our society was in a state of continual conflict between the working class and upper class, this essay will assess the Marxist approach on social class a theory stemmed from the works of Karl Marx, that believes our society to be in a state of constant struggle between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat). Within society, according to social stratification people are placed in particular divisions based on a system of hierarchy. This has dominated Western society in particular for generations, dividing into three classes; upper, middle and lower class. However, Marxism predominantly focuses on two the ruling class and the working class - as aforementioned above. Those who fall into the ruling
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One key hypothesis of social class is functionalism, this hypothesis relies upon norms and values which are shared amongst all creating peace (Wolff and Durkheim, 1960). This view completely disregards Marxism’s theory that the social classes are in strife. It suggests social stratification is well maintained and profitable to all classes. Viewing each class as part of a puzzle all serving a purpose, crucially constructing and able to then work effectively as a whole. Viewing class as a meritocracy dependent on a prize framework (Wolff and Durkheim, 1960). People work hard, feel accomplished and are rewarded on the basis of their level of achievement. Class is open to change, people are in charge of gaining their own status in society based on their level of ambition. Perhaps the most significant idea raised by functionalism is that it points out the limitations of Marxism’s focus on economic power and the conflicts between social class. Yet it does not allow for other factors such as gender, religion, nationality or family. Social stratification can be seen in all of these sectors, so can actually be perceived as a disadvantage? If people gain their own status depending on their ambition, ability and commitment then jobs and the associated hierarchy to that job belong to the best qualified - not a division of social class. However, it does acknowledge a level of position within jobs. For example, the corporate structure is basically made up of four broad divisions: Board of Directors, C-level executives, Management and Employees. Statistics also reveal that lower positions are filled most often by women, this is noted as being due to their lack of commitment to a long term career development often due to accepting lower positions to balance other commitments such as upbringing of children (Bertrand, M., & Hallock, K. 2001.
One key hypothesis of social class is functionalism, this hypothesis relies upon norms and values which are shared amongst all creating peace (Wolff and Durkheim, 1960). This view completely disregards Marxism’s theory that the social classes are in strife. It suggests social stratification is well maintained and profitable to all classes. Viewing each class as part of a puzzle all serving a purpose, crucially constructing and able to then work effectively as a whole. Viewing class as a meritocracy dependent on a prize framework (Wolff and Durkheim, 1960). People work hard, feel accomplished and are rewarded on the basis of their level of achievement. Class is open to change, people are in charge of gaining their own status in society based on their level of ambition. Perhaps the most significant idea raised by functionalism is that it points out the limitations of Marxism’s focus on economic power and the conflicts between social class. Yet it does not allow for other factors such as gender, religion, nationality or family. Social stratification can be seen in all of these sectors, so can actually be perceived as a disadvantage? If people gain their own status depending on their ambition, ability and commitment then jobs and the associated hierarchy to that job belong to the best qualified - not a division of social class. However, it does acknowledge a level of position within jobs. For example, the corporate structure is basically made up of four broad divisions: Board of Directors, C-level executives, Management and Employees. Statistics also reveal that lower positions are filled most often by women, this is noted as being due to their lack of commitment to a long term career development often due to accepting lower positions to balance other commitments such as upbringing of children (Bertrand, M., & Hallock, K. 2001.