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Contrast the views of Marx and Weber on what determines social class?

User Ellesmera
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Final answer:

Marx focused on economic relationships between the bourgeoisie and proletariats as the main determinants of social class, while Weber added noneconomic factors such as education, religion, and power to the equation, presenting a multidimensional approach to social stratification.

Step-by-step explanation:

Contrast Between Marx and Weber on Social Class

Karl Marx and Max Weber, both prominent sociologists, had differing viewpoints on what determines social class. Marx believed social stratification was fundamentally rooted in people's relationship to the means of production, dividing society into two main groups: the bourgeoisie, who owned the factories, and the proletariats, who worked in them. Marx argued that this economic divide led to the exploitation and alienation of the workers by the capitalists. On the other hand, Max Weber agreed with the economic determinants of class but also emphasized other factors like status and power. Weber's multidimensional approach to class included noneconomic factors such as education, kinship, and religion, which he believed could affect an individual's social status. Additionally, Weber addressed how inequalities in political power and social structure could lead to conflict, acknowledging the role of race, gender, and class differences in social mobility and people's perceptions of the legitimacy of those in power.

User Florian Reischl
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