Weberian Theory of Social Stratification (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology): Revision Note
Exam code: C200
Weberian theory of social stratification
Weber was inspired by Marx, but offered a more complex interpretation of social stratification
He agreed with Marx that modern society is divided into social classes, but he believed that class alone cannot explain inequality
Instead, Weber argued that stratification is based on three dimensions:
class
status
party
Class
'Class' refers to a person’s market situation — their position in the labour market and the opportunities they have to earn money
People’s class position depends on skills, education and type of work
Weber identified four main social classes:
property owners: those who own large businesses or land
professionals: such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers
petty bourgeoisie: small business owners and shopkeepers
working class: people who sell their labour for wages
Those who share a similar class situation also share similar life chances
Example
A professional footballer like Bukayo Saka has a high market position because his skills are rare and highly paid, while a nurse has a lower market position despite doing important work
Status
'Status' refers to the social standing or prestige a person has, which may differ from their class position
People may have high status but little wealth, or high wealth but little status
Status influences how people see themselves (identity) and how others see them
It can affect lifestyle, dress, accent, and values
Examples
A member of the aristocracy may not be wealthy but still has high social status due to their title
A lottery winner may be very rich but may not be respected or treated as high status
Teachers, nurses and police officers share a similar status because they serve their community and are respected, even if their pay differs
Party
'Party' refers to the groups and organisations people join to gain social power and influence
These can include:
political parties, e.g. Labour or Conservative,
pressure groups
trade unions
campaign organisations, such as Animal Aid or the NSPCC
In modern society, social media and online networks have created new ways for people to gain power and influence — even without wealth or high status
Examples
A trade union like the National Education Union (NEU) gives teachers collective power to campaign for better pay and conditions
Political campaigners or online activists can use social media platforms to influence public opinion and government policy, showing how power can come from party membership or activism, not just wealth or status
Life chances
Weber introduced the concept of life chances — the opportunities people have to improve their quality of life
People with higher class, status, or power generally have better life chances in education, health, and employment
Comparison with Marx
Weber agreed that there is conflict between those who own and those who work
However, he rejected Marx’s idea that society would become polarised into two classes, or that a revolution was inevitable
He believed that class divisions are more complex and that the middle class is growing, not shrinking
Evaluation of Weber's theory of social stratification
Strengths
Weber’s theory gives a more realistic and detailed view of modern society than Marx’s two-class model
It recognises that class, status, and power all affect people’s life chances
It helps explain why people with similar incomes may still have different lifestyles or levels of respect
Criticisms
Marxists argue that Weber underestimates the power of the ruling class and how economic ownership still shapes most life chances
Feminists say Weber ignores gender inequality and the impact of patriarchy
New Right theorists argue that Weber’s focus on structure ignores individual choice and social mobility — people can still improve their position through hard work
Some sociologists argue that power and influence are now even more complex because of globalisation and digital media
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