Exam (elaborations)
SED2601 ASSIGNMENT 3
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- SED2601 ASSIGNMENT 3
- Institution
- University Of South Africa
SED2601 ASSIGNMENT 3
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A+SED2601
ASSIGNMEN
T 3
This document contains
workings and solutions to
the question below
Admin
JIMMY COSMAS
, This document contains workings, explanations and solutions to the SED2601 Assignment
3 2023
Question 1 1.1 How is the concept 'class' explained by the following theorists?
a) Conflict Theorist:
1. Karl Marx: According to Marx, social classes are the result of an inherent conflict
between the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class). He
viewed class as a product of the capitalist mode of production, where the
bourgeoisie exploits the proletariat for their labor power and accumulates wealth.
Marx believed that class struggle and the eventual overthrow of the capitalist
system would lead to the establishment of a classless society.
2. Max Weber: Weber acknowledged the importance of economic factors but
expanded the concept of class to include other dimensions of social stratification.
He emphasized the role of power and social status as additional sources of
inequality. Weber argued that class is not solely determined by one's relationship
to the means of production but also by their social prestige and political influence.
He identified three distinct dimensions of stratification: class (economic position),
status (prestige and honor), and power (ability to influence others).
3. Ralf Dahrendorf: Dahrendorf built upon Marx's ideas and developed the theory of
class conflict within modern capitalist societies. He argued that social conflict
arises not only from the economic division between classes but also from conflicts
over power and authority. Dahrendorf believed that social change occurs through
ongoing struggles for power and the reconfiguration of class boundaries. He
viewed class as a dynamic concept, constantly evolving through conflicts and
power relations.
b) Functionalist Theorist:
1. Émile Durkheim: Durkheim approached the concept of class from a functionalist
perspective, focusing on the role of social cohesion and solidarity. He believed that
social order depends on the division of labor, where each individual occupies a
specific position within society. Durkheim saw social classes as natural and
necessary, as they ensure the smooth functioning of society by allocating
individuals to different roles based on their abilities and qualifications.
2. Talcott Parsons: Parsons expanded on Durkheim's ideas and emphasized the
functional significance of social classes. He argued that social stratification is
essential for social stability and effective functioning of society. Parsons viewed
classes as functional units, with each class performing specific roles and
contributing to the overall equilibrium of society. He saw social classes as
interconnected and interdependent, forming a complex system that maintains
social order.
3. Robert Merton: Merton introduced the concept of social roles and their relationship
to social classes. He distinguished between manifest functions (intended and
recognized consequences of social actions) and latent functions (unintended or
unrecognized consequences). Merton argued that social classes have both
manifest and latent functions in society. While manifest functions may include
economic productivity and the division of labor, latent functions can involve the
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