The Conflict And Functionalist Theories Behind Social Class

Inequality materializes the upper class, vulgarizes our middle class, brutalizes our lower class. In Australia, social class is a widely recognised concept, however some individuals, particularly the wealthy people, will argue that social class in non existent, that with hard work anyone can achieve, what they set their mind onto. The social stratification system, is based on objective criteria, including wealth, power, and prestige. The Australian notion of equal opportunity, insinuates that social class does not affect, the opportunities someone will have in life. However many sociologist, will argue that social class does create an underlying disadvantage, amongst groups in society, in particular education and health, of an individual is impacted. In this essay, I will strive to critically examine, the conflict and functionalist theories, behind social class. This will allow me to determine, weather some groups are constrained, or advantaged, by their current social status. Max Weber (1864-1920), a well known German sociologist, saw society was organised into status groups, with a common lifestyle. There are three factors, that determine an individuals chances in life which are, economic, status and power. When all these factors are combined, these elements create better circumstances, for an individual. It can therefore be noted, that an individuals social class, can have a large influence, on many parts of their life. A significant issue for sociologist and society, isShow MoreRelatedFunctionalist View Of The Law Making Process1349 Words   |  6 Pagesour laws. Three out of many theories of lawmaking processes are the Rationalistic model, Functionalistic view, and Conflict perspective. Rationalistic models view laws as a rational way of increasing protection for members of society from crimes which are â€Å"socially injurious† (Vago 2012). 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