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Review:  Stratificaton
Chapter 4: Early Stratification Theory
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Sociological Stratification
Chapter 4: Early Stratification Theory
Link The Schools of Thought of Stratification
Link
Link Paradigms are sets of theories & assumptions that shape & underlie 
     explanations, especially scientific explanations, 
     including the general images & assumptions of reality which shape those theories
Link
Link Functional Theory is often traced from Durkheim to the Chicago School to Parsons & Merton
Link
Link Conflict Theory is often traced from Marx to Mills to Dahrendorf:     blank       Marx
Link
Link        The Base & the Superstructure
Link
Link        Marxists Economics
Link
Link        Marxists Terms
Link
Link       Conflict Theory on Stratification
Link
Link Weberian Theory straddles several issues of concern to both functionalism & conflict theory 
Link
Outline on the
Schools of Thought of Stratification
Link
Historically, wealth & stratification have been heralded & chastised
Sociology is generally made up of three paradigms:
Functionalism, Conflict Theory & Symbolic Interactionism
Paradigms are sets of theories & assumptions that shape & underlie 
     explanations, especially scientific explanations, 
     including the general images & assumptions of reality which shape those theories		 Link
In light of the 3 sociological paradigms, we ask, how does stratification & injustice occur? 
One way of looking at the three paradigms is how they stand on their value assumptions
Are they Critics or Apologists of modern, industrial, stratified society?
Another  way of looking at the three paradigms is how they stand on their model of society assumptions
Do they see society as primarily operating on the basis of
Conflict or Order ( Cooperation )?
Link Table 4 - 1:  Value & Model Assumptions in Social Science Paradigms
Link Table 4 - 2:  A Typology of Paradigms
Cell 1:  The Critical - Order Paradigm: 
This paradigm combines the critical value assumptions
     w/ a conflict model of society
      1.  Unjust inequality ( stratification ) is not inevitable ( at least not to the present degree )
      2.  There is an optimistic view of human nature based on theory, history & anthropology
      3.  Better, more just societies are the goals of the social sciences
      4.  Society is held together by a consensus of norms & values
      5.  There is a holistic view of society
      6.  There is a focus on a social system w/ needs of its own
           & thus the conflict that does occur is bad for the system
Cell 2:  The Apologist (Uncritical) - Order Paradigm:
This paradigm combines apologetic (uncritical) value assumptions ( little or no criticism of the status quo ) 
         w/ an order model of society
      1. Stratification ( i.e. unjust inequality ) is inevitable because
          (a) human nature is selfish 
          (b) it necessary for social system, i.e. a quality of the system
      2.  The distrust of human nature based on analysis of theory, history & anthropology
      3.  There are no goals for social analysis because the social sciences are value free
      4.  Society is held together by a consensus of norms & values
      5.  There is a holistic view of society
      6.  There is a focus on a social system w/ needs of its own
           & thus the conflict that does occur is bad for the system
Cell 3:  the Critical - Conflict Paradigm: 
      There is a Critical analysis of value assumptions
      & a Conflict based analysis of the operation of society
      1.  Unjust inequality ( stratification ) is not inevitable ( at least not to the present degree )
      2.  There is an optimistic view of human nature based on theory, history & anthropology
      3.  Better, more just societies are the goals of the social sciences
      4.  Society is held together by conflict & power, & not a consensus of norms & values
      5.  There is a focus on the parts & processes w/in a society, & not society as a whole, 
           where all structures have equal influence
      6.  Society is a setting for struggles btwn classes or interest groups
Cell 4:  The Apologist (Uncritical) - Conflict Paradigm: 
      There is as Apologist, or uncritical analysis of value assumptions
      & a Conflict based analysis of the operation of society
      1. Stratification ( i.e. unjust inequality ) is inevitable because
          (a) human nature is selfish 
          (b) it necessary for social system, i.e. a quality of the system
      2.  The distrust of human nature based on analysis of theory, history & anthropology
      3.  There are no goals for social analysis because the social sciences are value free
      4.  Society is held together by conflict & power, & not a consensus of norms & values
     5.  There is a focus on the parts & processes w/in a society, & not society as a whole, 
           where all structures have equal influence
      6.  Society is a setting for struggles btwn classes or interest groups
Functional Theory is often traced from Durkheim to the Chicago School to Parsons & Merton Link
Conflict Theory is often traced from Marx to Mills to Dahrendorf Link
Weberian Theory straddles several issues of concern to both functionalism & conflict theory Link
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Table 4 - 1:  Value & Model Assumptions in Social Science Paradigms
Kerbo0404
Value Assumptions
Critical Apologist ( Uncritical )
1.  Inequality is not inevitable 
( at least not to the present degree )		 1.  Inequality is inevitable ( "natural" )
2.  There is an optimistic view of human nature 2.  There is a distrust of human nature
3.  Better, more just, societies are 
     the goals of the social sciences		 3.  No goals:  sociology should be value free
Model Assumptions
Conflict Order ( Cooperation )
1.  Society is held together by conflict & unequal power 1.  Society is held together by consensus of norms & values
2.  Focus on parts & processes w/in the society 2.  Holistic view of society
3.  Society is a setting for struggles btwn
      classes or interest groups		 3.  Focus on a social system w/ needs of its own
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Table 4 - 2:  A Typology of Paradigms
Value Assumptions blank blank blank blank blank blank blan
Blank Blank Blank Blank Critical    Apologist
Cooperation
 Critical-Order Paradigm Uncritical-Order Paradigm
blank Bonald, de Maistre Functional Theory (Durkheim, Parsons)
Model of
Society
Conflict
 Critical-Conflict Paradigm Apologist-Conflict Paradigm
Ruling Class Theory (Marxism) Power Conflict Theory (Weber)
Kerbo0404 Source:  Adapted from Hermann Strasser (1976) 
The Normative Structure of Sociology:  Conservative & Emancipatory Themes in Social Thought.  London:  Routledge & Kegan Paul.
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Outline on
Paradigms:
Shifting & Competing
Link
     -  Introduction:  The scientific culture often acts as if there are no anomalies
Paradigms are sets of theories & assumptions that shape & underlie 
     explanations, especially scientific explanations, 
     including the general images & assumptions of reality which shape those theories
Science does not embrace "One Truth" because human truth is always contested & relative
Because there is no absolute truth, 
      & because people have competing ideas on what  is closest to truth
      we have paradigms
Sociology is a multiple paradigm science:  Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic-Interactionism
Examples
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Outline on
Functionalism
Link
     - Introduction: 
        Functional Theory is often traced from Durkheim to the Chicago School to Parsons & Merton
Functionalism: 
  Society is made of 
      interdependent                     ( mutual interrelations )
      parts                                    ( social structures )
      that function to produce       ( functional requisites )
      consensus & stability           ( society is in equilibrium ) 
Set of theories:  S-F, order theory, consensus theory, etc.
blk Major Principles of Functionalism
    1. Consensus
    2. Equilibrium
    3. Interdependence
    4. Social Structures   ( aka Social Institutions ) Link
Link                   Table of 10 Social Structures
Early Functionalism's Position on Stratification
       a. Stratification is functional: 
           The social system requires inequalities to meet some of its basic needs
                 Within each social system of society, the merit system operates
                   e.g. in the economy ensures that the most talented people fill the most important jobs
                 While some early functionalists would maintain that the merit system is operating optimally
                       & the present inequality is "natural"
                       today most believe the merit system is not operating correctly
       b. Stratification restrains both the masses & the elites
             Restraints operate w/in the socialization process & legitimation process that maintain consensus
                      as well as the laws of the economic & government systems
Table of 10 Social Structures
blank
Social
Instititutions
1.
Peers
2.
Family
3.
Religion
4.
Work (econ)
5.
Govt (politics)
6.
Military
7.
Charity
8.
Education
9.
Media
10.
Recreation/leisure

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An Introduction to
Karl Marx
1818  -  1883
Link
There are 15 fundamental concepts of Marxism ( we cover only 10 here )
2.   Society consists of two fundamental components: 
      the Base & the Superstructure		 Link
blk      Economic relations make up the Base or foundation of society
blk      All other relationships make up the Superstructure 
       & are determined by the Base
3.  The Forces & Relations of Production determine 
     the nature of the econ & thus the Base & thus society		 Link
          Forces of Production
blk           Relations of Production
4.   Individuals  have conflicting self-interests
5.   There are "contradictions"  in society
6.   There is class conflict in society
       Marx's class structure:  Bourgeoisie & Proletariat Link
       Stratification is the study of Class Structure today Link
7.   Conflict is the energy of social change--of historical development
12.  Capitalism alienating
        Alienation Link
13.  The Upper Class controls the economy ( 50% of incone )
      American income distribution demonstrates that the richest 20%
          has more income as all the rest		 Link
14.  Culture is shaped by the economic Base
15.  We have either class- or false-consciousness
       Ideology  ( world view ) may be real or ideal Link
blk
Outline on
The Base & the Superstructure
Link
      -  Introduction:  Note:  There is much debate over the interpretation of Marx's work
Class analysis holds that all history is history of class struggle
Class struggle is rooted in economic struggle/competition
Understanding economics is heart of understanding society:
Our most fundamental needs are based on 
     food, shelter, & other basic needs
Higher needs of art, recreation, even sexuality, 
      are secondary to material needs
Base:  economic foundation of society
blk Superstructure:  ideas of society & their manifestations: 
        culture, law, art, entertainment, etc
For Marx & most Conflict Theorists, the structure of economy determines structure of culture
But many believe there is mutual causation btwn the economy & culture Link
Link Chart:  Base =        Econ & Ed
Superstructure =     Peers, Family, Govt, Religion, Military, 
                                   Media, Charity, Recreation
Direction of Causality
Marx:      Base    =>    Superstructure
Parsons:  Superstructure  =>  Base
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Chart on the Superstructure & the Base

Superstructure:  ideas of society & their manifestations:  culture, law, art, entertainment, etc

Base:  econ foundation of society:  means of production & relations of production

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Outline on
Marxist Economics
Link
The Mode of Production is made up of: 
    1. Forces of production:  People & their ideology & the material factors affecting production....
    2. Relations of production:  Property relations or forms of ownership
Other factors in production
    War
    Social Change:  Change of the Mode of Production is constant & inevitable
The Mode of Production determines the character of the people
Labor Theory of Value: value of a thing is determined by amount of labor put into it
Market Theory of Value:  value of a thing is determined by its scarcity
Surplus value: amount above subsistence value for the worker:  similar to profit
Industrial Reserve Army:  W/ capitalism, there is always unemployment & the concomitant poverty
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Outline on
Other Marxist Terms
Link
Praxis:  combine theory & practice:  goal of sociology is to change the world
Historical:  we must understand historical development of human relationships
Materialism:  the economy /production is key to understanding society: 
     our nature is shaped by our means of subsistence/ production
Historical-Materialism:   We must understand the historical development of the social relationships which make up the economy, ie the forces & means of production
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Outline on
Conflict Theory
Link
        -  Introduction:  Conflict Theory generally runs from Marx -> Mills -> Dahrendorf
Conflict Theory: 
Views soc as having 2 or more classes of people 
    who are in conflict    (competition)
Different grps in soc are in conflict over control 
   of resources
Different groups in society are in conflict over
    control of ideology
   (knowledge, world view, opinions, etc.)
Hist'ly one grp has dominated
Off-shoots of Marxism include conflict theory, neo-Marxism, etc
Principles of conflict theory:  subset / revision of Marxism
Early Conflict Theory on Stratification
      a. Stratification & unjust inequality are required for the functioning of any class based system:
           e.g. slavery, feudalism, caste system, capitalism
      b.  The inequality of capitalism is the greatest:  "It is was the best of times, it was the worst of times"
      c. The power of one group over another maintains stability, but that stability is based on oppression
     d. Conflict theory is "distrustful" of our ability to restrain social institutions (regulatory institutions)
     e. Conflict theory is crititical of the status quo norms & values which support the present system
     f. Power & conflict can be equalized through communism or radical reforms of capitalism
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An Overview of 
Max Weber
1864  - 1920
Link
Major principles of Weberian sociology
1.  Major social factor is the development of rationality
     Method or practice of choice 
        based on who / what works best 
        in achieving a given objective		 Link
        Weber's "debate w/ ghost of Marx" was a sympathetic debate Link
blank              Marx:  examines the development & impact of the economy
blank              Weber:  examines the development & impact of rationality
2.  Charisma, tradition, rationality are all forms of authority
     2.1.  Charismatic authority:
             Treated as endowed w/ supernatural, 
             or at least exceptional powers or qualities 
             not accessible to ordinary people		 Link
    2.2.  Traditional authority:  Claim by leaders 
            & the belief by  followers 
            in virtue of sanctity of age-old rules & powers 		 Link
    2.3.  Legal/Rational authority:  Model of choice 
            based on who / what works best 
            in achieving a given objective		 Link
2.3.1. Bureaucracy is the ultimate rational social organization Link
            2.3.2.  Weber: Marx ignored administrative domination: organizational life
3.  Class, power & status are all dimensions of stratification
       3.1.  Class:  Economic Dimension:  based on wealth & income
               Weber updates Mx on class:  adds middle & professional classes Link
       3.2.  Power:  Political Dimension:  based on political power
       3.3.  Status:  Social Dimension:  based on prestige, honor, etc.
4.  Weber, contra Mx, - cultural system affects being as much as economic system
   PESC:  The Economic & Religious systems have mutual impacts on each other Link
      Anc Judaism => Christianity 
      enhanced evolution of capitalism / rationality		 Link
      China did not develop capitalism for many reasons Link
      India did not develop capitalism for many reasons Link
6.  History demonstrates the development of rationality Link
Weber on Stratification:  Weber held that there were THREE dimensions of stratification:
     class + status + party (power)
Interests are based on material (economic), social (prestige, honor), political (power) benefit
Varying groups w/ varying interests could ally or conflict
For Weber, the Political Dimension is the most important: 
This is where Weber put organizational struggle:  which would inevitably exist
While ones political or power status is primary, one  must also consider relationship to the market
        ala' Marx, which includes what are you selling, how you produce it, (your labor) 
        & the basis of your knowledge
Weber believes that the concept of "common life chances" provides a better understanding of Class,
      but does not discount class as represented by economic possessions & opportunities (skills)
      as framed w/in a commodity market
There is also the stratification of  Status as seen in a fixed hierarchy of prestige & honor
Objective indicators of status stratification include
      - ones style of life
     - ones restrictions or advantages on social interactions (networking)
Weberian Theory holds that our system of stratification restrains both the masses & the elites

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Review:  Stratificaton
Chapter 4: Early Stratification Theory
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