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WEBERIAN PERSPECTIVE ON SACIAL STRATIFICATION Max Weber (1864-1920), a German sociologist, is considered by many to have similar work with Karl Marx. He actually shares with Marx a conflict orientation. Max Weber, unlike Karl Marx, explains social stratification from a multidimensional perspective. Marx explains that social stratification in society is caused by the relation of domination and exploitation of the non-owners of means of production by the owners of means of production. Weber emphasis on social stratification was a reverse of what Karl Marx idea was all about i.e. the economics class position. Rejecting Marx idea of the mode of production as the cause of social stratification alone, Weber came up with the three source of stratification which he termed “a three-component theory of stratification, as a distinct ideal type. They are as follow; 1.	Economic class 2.	Social status 3.	Political power These three sources of stratification can be called the 3Ps of Weber explanation of social stratification. They are as follow; 1.	Property 2.	Prestige 3.	Power (party). Max Weber is also known for his six “American Dreams” values which are: 1.	Hard work 2.	Universalism 3.	Individualism 4.	Wealth 5.	Activism 6.	Rationality Economics Class: Weber sees class as economic categories developing out of human interaction in market. A market here is basically a system of competitive exchange where by individual buys and sells things of values in the pursuit of profit. (Weber, 1922, in E.G Grabb, 1977:46) Economic class arises historically only as the institution of market develops, an institution in which exchange of goods and service is undertaken for profit. Economic emerge out of the unequal distribution of economic power particularly. Non-owners can not compete for the highly valued goods and service, which are monopolized by the owners. Those lacking property, thus, have only the their service to offer in exchange for subsistence, while the property owners can transfer their holdings to capital for the purpose of entrepreneurship. Property and lack of property are therefore the basic category of all class situations. Class situation are further differentiated …according to the kind of property …and the kind of service that can be offered in the market. (Weber, 1922; in E.G Grabb 1997:46) Thus, almost every individual in a complex economics system like modern capitalism, could in a sense represent a given class and the concept of class would then have little use or meaning. (Giddeon, 1973; in E.G Grabb 1997:46) Social status (Prestige): Status inequality is based o prestige distinction. Status is every typical component of the life of men that is determine by a specific, positive or negative, social estimation of honor. (Gerth & Mills 1946; in B.E Vanfoseen 1979:40) In contract to class membership, individual who similar prestige rating tends to form groups. A status group, Weber believes, develops not out of access to mean of production, but rather out of consumption pattern and lifestyle which are limited only by the person income. (B.E Vanfoseen 1979:40) What style of life people choose to live is affected by their interests, which in turn, are related to their values and education. People come to recognized others which share their lifestyle. They associate and share social bonds. They begin to exclude others. They may even for negative attitude about other groups. They visit within their own status group and urge their children to marry within themselves. In such a way, they draw a stable social boundary between them and others. (B.E Vanfoseen 1979:40) Weber suggested that status group is characterized by competition and emulation not conflict as Marx said. Status order is highly independent on the economic order. It does have a certain causal power of its own. In the 19th century, the newly rich had less prestige than the aristocracy because they possess neither the lineage credentials nor the manners that were necessary for social acceptance by those whose wealth has been in the family for generation. A good example is the illustration of the Igbo speaking people. The do practice the egalitarian system of administration. Their stratification system is based on status distinction, not class or caste. (C.I.D Clark; 2006:17) Power/Party: Inequality of power exist when group are able to influence action in favor of their interest. In general, we understand by power of chance of a man or of a number of men to realize their own will… even against the resistance of others. (Weber, in Gerth and Mills1946:180) Power is an aspect of most, if not all, social relationship. Two particular important type of power are, firstly, that which come from economic control or position of monopoly and; secondly, that which come form the position of authority that allocate the right to command and the duty to obey. These two may combine and reinforce each other. Weber used to illustrate the emerging of economic power and authority was a large central bank that determine it debtors because of the monopolistic position of the credit market. It uses its legitimate position of authority to accumulate advantage not inherent in the authority structure. Thus ; “any type of domination by virtue of economic interest may…be transformed gradually into domination by authority. (Weber; in Roth and Whitish, 1968:943) In sum, the inequality between social author or group are traceable primarily to their differential success in the continuing social struggle, the contest among competing or conflicting interest. This struggle is also the essence of what Weber mean by politics. Power is the factor that determine the outcome of the social struggle and hence, the nature and extent of inequality. In conclusion, we can see form the analysis above that Max Weber gave a detail description of the causes of social stratification. Karl Marx only limited its explanation to the economic situation. But Weber added other factors to it. Looking from the analytical perspective of Marx, there is still some level of economic situation in Weber other two component of social stratification i.e. Prestige and Power. And this has made the economic situation a major determinant of social stratification. (R. blessing, 2007) Reference: Beth .E. Vanfossen, 1979: The Structure Of Social Inequality, Canada, Little, Brown & Company, L.T.D C.I.D Clark, 2007: Social Stratification and Social Mobility, Nigeria, Perfect Touch Comm. Edward G. Grabb, 1997: Theories Of Social Inequality: Classical and Contemporary Perspective, Harcourt Brace & Company, Canada L.T.D Gerth H.H and C. Wright Mills, Trans and eds. 1946 form Max Weber: Essay In Sociology New York: Oxford University Press. R. O. Blessing, 2007: Social Stratification and the Economy, forthcoming publication. WEBERIAN PERSPECTIVE ON SACIAL STRATIFICATION BY

NAME: OMOROGHOMWAN .BLESSING OSAYEMWENRE PHONE NO:+23458413532 EMAIL ID: blessynet@yahoo.com