Weber

Weber identified three key components of social stratification:
- Class: Refers to economic standing and the distribution of resources.
- Status: Concerns the prestige attributed to an individual or group within society.
- Party: Involves the degree of power and influence one has in political contexts.

Dahrendorf critiques two major sociological perspectives: Functionalism and Conflict Theory.
He highlights differences in their fundamental postulates.

Predicated on the belief that society functions as an integrated whole.
Identified four key principles:
1. Persistence of Elements: Society is a relatively enduring configuration of elements.
2. Integration: Every part of society maintains a specific role contributing to overall cohesion.
3. Contribution to Function: Each societal element serves a function for the system's maintenance.
4. Consensus: Society operates based on a collective agreement among its members.

Opposes Functionalism by emphasizing the role of conflict.
Identified four key tenets:
1. Ubiquity of Change: Social change occurs continuously and without exception.
2. Ubiquity of Conflict: Social conflict is ever-present in society.
3. Contribution to Change: Elements within society contribute to its evolution and change, in opposition to Functionalism's static view.
4. Power Dynamics: Each society's structure rests on the dominance of some members over others through coercion or power.

Weber defines power as:
- The capacity (or probability) of an individual or group to coerce others to act in accordance with their will, regardless of the willingness of those being coerced.

Functionalist Approach: Asks "What is the purpose or function of a certain element within society?"
Conflict Theorist Approach: Identifies power structures, often focusing on means of production.
- Example Questions:
- "Who holds the means of production in the current social configuration?"
- Conflict theorists assert that social standing and power are often dictated by one's collective affiliations and resources.

Power dynamics are complex; various societal members utilize their positions to exercise influence.
Conflict theory emphasizes that individuals can attain power through various means, including sheer dominance, personality, or position within societal hierarchy.

Conflict Theorists examine what resources are valued in society.
Commonly valued resources in American society include:
- Property
- Wealth / Capital
- Higher Education: Institutionally regarded as a pathway to better jobs and lifestyle.

Meritocracy: Defined as a system where advancement is based on individual abilities or merits.
Questions considered:
- Are individuals of diverse backgrounds receiving equal opportunities in higher education?
- How does socioeconomic background influence access to institutions perceived as more prestigious (e.g., Ivy League vs. state schools)?

Discussion about social movements as manifestations of questioning legitimacy structures within society.
Dissent often arises from perceived injustices, prompting protests and social actions.

Legitimacy: The acceptance and recognition of authority in society.
A society experiences a legitimacy crisis when citizens no longer accept the authority of their leaders or institutions.
Recent examples used to illustrate the concept include protest movements indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the state of governance.

Conflict theories ultimately assert that relationships between social classes are characterized by power imbalances and resource distribution.
Legitimacy versus fear can dictate social stability.
- Fear can temporarily enforce compliance, but without legitimacy, long-term stability is challenged.
The current state of governance in regard to power dynamics reflects an ongoing debate about legitimacy in society.

Next class will cover Symbolic Interactionism, a perspective distinct from both Functionalism and Conflict Theory, which focuses on micro-level social dynamics.