Weber and Marx: Inequality

Marx vs. Weber in forthwiths society Marx and Weber have not lived inwardly the same social conditions we are facing directly, and one question that may arise is, whose approach to social class and inequality is more compatible with todays society? Taking a closer look at Webers analogy, and the concept of life chances, one may attempt to discontinue that his approach is more flexible and fitting in todays society. Weber offers a micro level analysis of inequality at the singles level, which makes his approach more versatile.Furthermore this approach can explain the changes in regards to class determination by the market situation over time with the concept of life chances. Marx is known for putting forth a theory of classes that is centered on economical grounds where society is splitting up into 2 great hostile camps bourgeoisie and proletariat (Marx, 1978, p. 474). Belonging to either class will depend on whether you own the means of production or not from this system stems inequality.Weber takes a step further then Marx, and discusses otherwise social forces then economical one, that influences social class and inequality. Weber put central grandeur to the concept of power, the chance of a man or a number of men to realize their own will in a communal attain even against the resistance of other who are participating in the action (Weber, 2003, p. 95). The way power is distributed creates tercet discrete but interrelated realms classes, status groups and parties (Weber, 2003, p. 94).These three dimensions in relation to power are used to explain inequality. Distribution of power among classes leads to unequal access to material resources since classes are purely economically resolute (Weber, 2003, p. 99). As for status power, ones social estimation of honor (Weber, 2003, p. 99) determines the capacity to exercise power upon those who visual sense him or her as a superior. split up and Status power influence one another and they influence t he legal order and are in turn influence by it (Weber, 2003, p. 99).Parties on the other hand, focus on gaining social power that enables them to have influence on decision-making. From Marxs Manifesto of the communist party (1978) one can concluded that the buttoned-down and the proletariat are mutually dependent on one another, but this does not make them equal in a capitalist society. Weber does hit that the capitalist society and the economy has a particularly determinative impact on the social order and power (Weber, 2003, p. 94). However Weber points out that case-by-case still have agency and a relative autonomy to culture and politics (Weber, 2003, p. 94).Hence, the determination of class-situation by the market situation cannot be exclusive to Marx view based on the relationship to the means of production. Webers puts forth a concept of life chances which entails that even the dominated still have a scoop of choices. In todays society, these choices have expanded and bec ome more equal. For example, todays market is seen to be a knowledge-based market, where high fosterage and skill set is given more value. Those in lower classes also have a possibility to compete in the labour market since higher education is becoming more accessible to everyone.Webers approach gains versatility by looking at the role of social action and therefore takes into consideration an undivideds rationally motivated adjustments of interest (Weber, 2003, p. 97). Marxs approach focuses too much on the economical conditions, and although it may still be relevant today economy, it fails to accurately predicted other dimensions of life that have influenced social class and inequality. A shift to a knowledge base labour market and increase in higher education accessibility has improved individuals life chance.However upon putting forth the argument that individuals have more choices now then before, one may questions the true intention of these choices. It could be, as Marx ma y suggest, an illusion of choice set forth by the dominant classes to prevent a revolution from the dominated class. beginning Marx, K. and Friedrich E. (1978). Manifestation of the Communist Party. The Marx-Engels Reader, (2nd ed), edited by Robert C. Tuker. 473-483. Weber, M. (2003) Class, Status, Party. Social Theory the Roots and Branches, edited by Peter Kivisto. 95-100.