Max Weber s Theory Of Social Stratification - 1836 Words

Introduction The growing inequalities in our society and individual’s motivation to work can be explained through different theoretical perspectives. This essay seeks to examine two theories, the functionalist perspective of social stratification and Max Weber’s perspective of rationalisation and life chances. The functionalist theory, in particular the discussions of different rewards system in our society and moral evaluations are applied in this paper, to explain people’s drives to work. Weber’s theory of social stratification, that of rationalisation and life chances is examined. In the first section of the paper, the differences and similarities of these theories’ understanding of people’s motivation to work are discussed. This will†¦show more content†¦247). For example, the rewards are higher for profession such as data analysts, as it demands further education and training to gain the appropriate technical knowledge compared to jobs that do not require this knowledge, such as bricklayers. These incentives of rewards provide an explanation for people’s decision to pursue higher education and engage in rigorous training for particular jobs in the contemporary’s society. Weber’s rationalisation analysis While the functionalist perspective explains the involvement of certain individuals to work in higher ranked job positions, the analysis of rationalisation contended by Weber may provide a more general explanation to people’s motivation to work. According to Weber, work under the capitalist society has resulted in the separation of people from the means of production, which lead to workers’ realisation of economic rationality (Wright 2002, p. 837). This economic rationality may result in people’s motivation to work as they calculate their economic gains through the position of being employed, regardless of the type of work. The decision to work is associated with individuals’ rationale, as people do so in order to provide means of income and fund their way of living. Additionally, the motivation of work according to Weber lies in the self-interest of economic advantage (Wright 2002, p. 840), which can be achieved thr ough theShow MoreRelatedMax Weber s Theories About Status And Social Stratification1343 Words   |  6 Pagesthe social context of its’ origination, this paper will consider baseball in the context of Max Weber’s theories about status and social stratification. Although his theories are seemingly similar to Karl Marx, their theories are essentially different. Marx primarily believes that economics and class are distinguishing factors of society; whereas, Weber believes that status and social stratification are the distinguishing factors of society. When applying a sociological perspective of Max WeberRead MoreMarx, Max Weber And Emile Durkheim948 Words   |  4 PagesIn assessment of sociological theory it is imperative to our understanding of social theory that we analyze the ideologies of some prominent theorists such as Karl Marx, Max Weber and Émile Durkheim. Karl Marx’s philosophical ideals on society and class division are impactful in shaping our understanding of society. Inequality and social division is at the heart of Marx’s theory of society. Marx’s theorized that society is the history of class struggles. 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Stratification sets up that all known societies past and present â€Å"distribute its scarce and demanded goods and servicesRead MoreIncome Inequality : The Perspectives Of Marx And Weber Essay1505 Words   |  7 Pagesand Weber In the United States, income inequality is drawing more and more attention from the media, sociologists, politicians, and everyday citizens like us since the economic difference during the past decades became more pronounced than before. Karl Marx and Max Weber both discussed their ideas of social inequality and addressed the relationship between inequality and social structure as an important theme in their work. This paper compares and contrasts the approaches of Marx and Weber to theRead MoreSocial Reproduction Theory And The American Education System1224 Words   |  5 Pages Social reproduction theory is important and relevant to society because it challenges an institution that we have been socialized to honor and protect. In America, we believe that we have equal opportunities to succeed by educating ourselves in the school system. However, our social class and identity dictate how much access we have to those very opportunities that can lead to success. By examining this th eory of social reproduction, we can further understand the roles that culture and social classRead MoreSocial Statification Summary995 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Social Stratification Summary Social stratification is the division of large numbers of people into layers according to their relative power, property, and prestige. It applies to both nations and to people within a nation, society, or other group. Social stratification affects all of one s life chances from the access to material processions to their position in society to their life expectancy. Although they may differ as to which system of social stratification they employ, all societies stratify