Dreger 1 Colleen Dreger Social Inequality March 22, 2009 In what specific ways is Weber's theory of inequality different

from Marx's? How are they similar? Karl Marx and Max Weber both acknowledged social stratification in society; however, they had different theories for how inequality formed in society. Marxs theory was simple, based upon social economic structure; whereas Webers theory was more complex, where social status and political power also played a key role in inequality. Marx believes that there are two very clear segments of social structure: bourgeoisie and proletariat. The bourgeoisie are the elite and the capitalists. This group owns everything and has the reigns of control in society. The contrast to this group, or the modern working class, is called the proletariat (Grusky 36). These two groups have a mutual relationship, as Marxs describes, The proletariat live only so long as they find work, and who find work only so long as their labor increases capital (Grusky 36). Thus, the proletariat needs to be employed to keep themselves stable; in turn, this will always keep the bourgeoisie in power because the proletariat can only work for the bourgeoisie. This cycle is a clear demonstration of social stratification. Marx theorized that it could be possible for other classes within society, yet at the root of any society stand these two great classes defined in terms of their relationship to the means of production (http://www.sociology.org.uk). This model is very fundamental and clear; however, Webers theory takes this theory several steps further. Webers theory is based off of Marxs theory, yet it is more complex. Weber theorizes that there are more groups within society than an upper and working class.

Dreger 2 Weber concluded that there were owners of capital, split into two categories: rentiers, whose livelihood came from investment income, and entrepreneurs, who made their own wealth. There were also non-owners of capital. This group has four levels: middle class, skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, and unskilled workers. This detailed segmentation is a clear contrast from Marxs simple two-level social structure. Weber and Marx theories also differ in what factors were responsible for these stratifications. Marxs class stratification was based on economics. The bourgeoisie were the ones with the money and power. The proletariat simply did not have this monetary advantage because they worked for the bourgeoisie, putting them at the mercy of a higher authority. Weber believed, "the economic order was of paramount importance in determining the precise position of different communities, but other basiss could influence people's actions in ways not directly derivative from purely 'economic' interests (Hadden 126-7). From Webers point of view, classes, status groups, and parties were phenomena of the distribution of power within a community (Grusky 45). These distinct groups demonstrated the social power dimension of Webers premise of social stratification. Class as described in the text is, represented exclusively by economic interests in the possession of goods and opportunities (Grusky 45). Meaning someone owns a resource that others may want; therefore putting this person in a state of power. Status group is within the social order, measured by the how much of honor one receives from peers or subordinates. If someone is in a position where they are viewed as superior, they could potentially exercise power over you. Parties pertained to political power of the leaders

Dreger 3 of the society; meaning if someone is in a position to change a law, it would demonstrate power over many people. Marx and Webers theories did share a major similarity: both were developed around the conflict theory. In general terms, this theory states that groups of people within society are continuously trying to maximize the benefits of their group. Because of the segregation of groups within both of these theorists models, the conflict theory is very prominent. For Marx, the bourgeoisie try to gain more power and get receive more resources, to gain more control over the proletariat. Webers theory demonstrates the conflict theory by his explanation of the hierarchy in society. Class, status, and party display the power executed by group members over the subordinates of society. Marx and Webers theories had a similar foundation; however, they differed in regards to where social inequality comes from. Based of off Marxs fundamental twolevel social inequality theory, Weber developed a more complex model of social inequality, which showed how social status and political power play an important part in social stratification.

Dreger 4 References Grusky, David B., and Szonja Szelenyi, eds. The Inequality Reader. Boulder: Westview P, 2007. Hadden, Richard W., Sociological Theory: An Introduction to the Classical Tradition, Peterborough, Ontario, Broadview Press, 1997. Livesey, Chris. Sociology Central. 20 Mar. 2009 <http://www.sociology.org.uk/simarx.pdf>.