Social Stratification/Inequality memes by Baylon, Chan, Cudo, de la Cruz, Querubin, Tabong

Despite the constant accusations of capitalism in this world, society never fully saw a revolution of the proletariat class. Due to several factors, a revolution never happened. These factors include the fragmentation of the capitalist class, greater legal protection, more worker organizations and a generally higher standard of living. Until this day, however, there are still criticisms against the capitalist class.

#socialstratification #marxism #revolution #fail

Karl Marx emphasizes that human beings should be able to realize their potential for creative and purposeful activity through work. By adopting a capitalist system, Marx argues that this realization is not achieved. Workers are alienated from what they produce. A common example would be factory workers who form the assembly line. Their work is repetitive and a mere part of an elaborate process which they do not fully get to witness and claim ownership over.

#socialstratification #capitalism #alienation #work

In comparison to a Marxist perspective, Weber argues that social inequality is brought about by the rationalization of society/”disenchantment of the world”. This means to say that bureaucracy, the distinctive social institutions and large-scale organizations, operate under specialized tasks and brings about impersonality with its attempts at implementing efficient processes. Weber terms bureaucracy as the iron cage that traps humans through efficiency, calculation and control.

#socialstratification #weber #bureaucracy

 Marx’ Theory portrays a society wherein there exists a capitalist class, the bourgeoisie, and the working class, the proletariat. In this theory the bourgeoisie owns and controls the means of production and apart from this, they are also the dominant political and ideological force in society. They shape and legitimize the base to maintain their position and continuously exploit the proletariat. These two memes emphasize the exploitation of the proletariat.

#socialstratification #marxism #work #richpoorgap

Again, this meme talks about the Marxist perspective on social inequality. It tackles the concept of workers not only being alienated from their work and not being able to claim ownership over their work but also the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie. Consumers and employers alike might not be able to see the oppressive and alienating behavior imposed upon laborers. 

#socialstratification #marxism #work

Karl Marx had proposed that society was divided in two classes namely the proletariat, the working class, and the bourgeoisie, the dominant political and ideological force who controls the means of production. Although this division may exist, class divisions are not limited to this. As Weber states in his theory, there were upper class, white collar workers, petit bourgeoisie, working class etc. This kind of class stratification can also be seen in the Philippines. The Philippine Private Business research showed four classes.

#socialstratification #marx 

 Structural Functionalists believe that social stratification actually makes society operate. Davis-Moore's thesis states that social stratification is universal and necessary to make society highly productive. In a society where class divisions are present, there are unequal rewards to attract the ablest people to the most important jobs. Complete equality is undesirable because it would make society inefficient.

#socialstratification #davis-Moore

 Using the symbolic interaction approach, social stratification may be seen as a factor that guides people's interactions in everyday life. Most people interact with people who have the same social standing. People are therefore said to have a tendency to buy and use products because of the statement they make about their social position rather than their function. Sociologists call this conspicuous consumption.

#socialstratification #conspicuousconsumption

 

One does not simply achieve social mobility. Social stratification is a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification is a trait of society that can be carried over from generation to generation and social mobility refers to the change in position within this social hierarchy. It may be difficult for someone to change from one class to another as there are varying degrees of social, human, economic and cultural capital from one society to another.

#socialstratification

 In Marx’ theory of capitalism, the superstructure shapes and legitimizes the base. The bourgeoisie own and control the means of production. They also have the dominant political and ideological force in society which allows them to rule over the base or the working class.

#socialstratification #marxism #inequality #firstworldproblems

While a lot of people think that the PDAF just causes inequality because all of the money that goes to politicians, another perspective could also be visited. Politicians still need voters to get re-elected, and voters more often than not, choose those that they can approach. Politicians may be seen as a source of social capital for others. However, this system may still be seen as a cause for social stratification in the long run.

#socialstratification #politics

Capitalism which is market driven prioritizes efficiency above all else. In its pursuit to maximize profits and minimize costs, capitalism may not take into account negative externalities that may occur. This meme refers to the two mining companies, Oceana Gold and FCF minerals, that Nueva Vizcaya Representative and House Deputy Speaker Carlos Padilla considers as a threat to the communities in nueva vizcaya bringing more harm than good. Again this emphasizes the control of the capitalist class over the means of production.

#socialstratification #capitalism

Sources/notes:

Memes by: Baylon, Chan, Cudo, de la Cruz, Querubin, Tabong

Macionis, John J. Sociology, 14th Ed. US: Pearson Education, 2012. Print.

"PHL Needs Alternative Law to Address Flaws in Mining Act, Says Lawmaker." GMA Network. N.p., 11 Mar. 2014. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.

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