Social Sciences: Weber and Social Stratification

This set of practice flashcards covers Max Weber's theories on capitalism, rationalization, and social stratification, as well as modern applications in urban studies and health inequality.

How do Max Weber and Karl Marx differ regarding the causes of industrial capitalism?

Karl Marx attributed it to class struggle and the economy (Bourgeoisie vs. feudal lords), while Max Weber attributed it to the Protestant ethic and culture (religion and the accumulation of capital).

In Max Weber's view, how did the concept of 'Predestination' influence the development of capitalism?

It led to the idea that faith requires individuals to act as if they are chosen by God by performing good works.

What does 'Asceticism' mean within the context of the Protestant Ethic?

Refraining from the sins of the flesh, condemning idle luxury in favor of frugality, and avoiding the 'deadliest of sins': the waste of time.

What is the concept of a 'Calling' in the Protestant Ethic?

The idea that hard work and fulfilling duties in world affairs is God's assignment, making the accumulation of wealth good as long as it is not consumed for luxury.

How does Max Weber define 'Rationalization'?

Engaging in rational, instrumental calculations of efficiency and future consequences to accomplish a particular goal rather than following tradition.

What are the characteristics of a rational modern society according to Max Weber?

Separation of institutions, large-scale organizations, specialization, self-discipline, time-management, technology, and bureaucracy.

How did Max Weber describe bureaucracy in relation to social organization?

It is the only way of effectively organizing large numbers of people and expands with economic and political growth.

What is the 'Iron Cage' in Weberian theory?

A state where bureaucracies control everything, leaving individuals unable to act freely and crushed by rational rules and systems.

What is meant by the 'disenchantment of the world'?

The way scientific thinking in the modern world swept away sentimentality and the human spirit of the past.

What are Max Weber's three axes of social stratification?

$1.$ Class (Economic order/Market situation); $2.$ Status (Social order/Prestige); $3.$ Party (Political order/Power).

How does 'Status' differ between traditional and modern societies?

In traditional societies, it was based on firsthand knowledge of a person; today, it is expressed through styles of life and symbols like housing, dress, and occupation.

What is 'Social Closure'?

The process of creating social boundaries and exclusive networks to restrict access to valued resources or monopolize a status position.

How does Max Weber define the 'State'?

A human community that claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical violence within a given territory.

Why does the state serve the interests of the bourgeoisie according to the transcript?

The bourgeoisie has a strong market position for blackmail, occupies state positions, uses commercial mass media, and finances elections/parties.

What is the definition of 'social stratification'?

The persistence of positions in a hierarchy of inequality and the patterns/consequences of that inequality on people's lives.

According to the TÜİK $2019$ survey data, what percentage of respondents were not registered in a social security organization?

$$31.8\%$$

Based on the DİSK study in April $2020$, how many times higher was the positive Covid-$19$ case rate among workers compared to the Turkish average?

$3.2$ times the overall number of cases.

What is David Harvey's view on urban environments?

Cities are created environments that are constantly changing to serve the purposes of those with the most power.

What is 'Social Exclusion'?

A process where individuals or groups are systematically prevented from fully participating in society economically, socially, politically, and culturally.

What is 'Gentrification'?

A process where wealthy people buy and renew deteriorating properties, increasing property values but displacing low-income residents.

What is the 'Rent Gap'?

The gap between the current land profitability of a site and its potential profitability, which drives urban renewal.

What characterized the inhabitants of 'Tarlabaşı' before the renewal project?

It was a 'ghetto of the centre' inhabited by immigrants (Kurdish, African), Roman people, and marginalized groups.

What were the objectives of the Tarlabaşı Renewal Project?

To change the building profiles, build new offices, residences, luxury hotels, and expensive stores.