Who proposed the stratification theory based on wealth distribution?

Who proposed the stratification theory based on wealth distribution?

• A. Max Weber
• B. Emile Durkheim
• C. Karl Marx
• D. Charles Horton Cooley

Answer: (C)

The stratification theory based on wealth distribution was proposed by Karl Marx, who is one of the most influential figures in sociology. Marx's focus on economic factors as the primary driver of social stratification is foundational to his analysis of society. He argued that society is divided into classes based on their relationship to the means of production: the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who sell their labor. This class struggle and the inequalities stemming from wealth and power distribution form the core of Marx's critique of capitalism. His perspective emphasizes how economic interests shape social relations and influence individuals' life chances, thereby creating a systemic structure of inequality that persists across generations. In contrast, other theorists like Max Weber integrated more complex dimensions of stratification, including status and power, while Emile Durkheim focused on social cohesion and collective consciousness rather than economic factors specifically. Charles Horton Cooley, on the other hand, is best known for his work on the looking-glass self and social interaction, which doesn’t specifically address wealth distribution in terms of stratification theory. Thus, Marx's approach to understanding social stratification uniquely highlights the role of wealth and economic structures in shaping societal divisions.

The stratification theory based on wealth distribution was proposed by Karl Marx, who is one of the most influential figures in sociology. Marx's focus on economic factors as the primary driver of social stratification is foundational to his analysis of society. He argued that society is divided into classes based on their relationship to the means of production: the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who sell their labor. This class struggle and the inequalities stemming from wealth and power distribution form the core of Marx's critique of capitalism. His perspective emphasizes how economic interests shape social relations and influence individuals' life chances, thereby creating a systemic structure of inequality that persists across generations.

In contrast, other theorists like Max Weber integrated more complex dimensions of stratification, including status and power, while Emile Durkheim focused on social cohesion and collective consciousness rather than economic factors specifically. Charles Horton Cooley, on the other hand, is best known for his work on the looking-glass self and social interaction, which doesn’t specifically address wealth distribution in terms of stratification theory. Thus, Marx's approach to understanding social stratification uniquely highlights the role of wealth and economic structures in shaping societal divisions.