How do Marx’s and Weber’s approaches to social stratification differ? Which do you think is the most useful today?

Question

Please provide the best answer for the statement.

Answer 1

1. Marx approaches class stratification by examining one’s relationship to the means of
production. A person can be part of either the proletariat (those who sell their labor power)
or the bourgeoisie (those who own the means of production and purchase the labor power
of others).
2. Marx’s approach states that those who own the means of production lower the wages of
workers in order to increase their profits, thus causing inequality. Class inequality is the
only form of stratification that Marx examines.
3. Weber argues that social stratification is caused by more than just class or income; wealth,
prestige, and power must also be considered. Prestige is the level of esteem that society
attaches to certain jobs or social statuses, whereas power is the ability of a person to
impose their will over another’s.
4. Weber’s approach is more multifaceted than Marx’s, and also extends the class group
distinctions from two to five.
5. Students should make a coherent argument about which one is more relevant today.