Question

According to Max Weber, on what basis classes and status groups are differentiated?

• A. Social facts
• B. Lifestyles
• C. Caste system
• D. Market economy

Hint:

Remember Weber's three 'P's of stratification: Power (Party), Property (Class), and Prestige (Status). Class is economic, determined by the market. Status is social, determined by lifestyle and honour.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks about Max Weber's multidimensional theory of social stratification, specifically how he distinguished between 'class' and 'status group' ('Stände').
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Weber argued that social stratification is not just about economics. He identified three distinct dimensions: \begin{enumerate} Class: This is determined by a person's economic position and life chances in the market economy. It is purely an economic category. (Related to Option D) Status (Status Group): This is based on social honour and prestige. Status groups are communities of people who share a common lifestyle and are accorded a certain level of social esteem. For example, intellectuals and military officers might have high status but not necessarily high class position. (Related to Option B) Party: This refers to groups organized to acquire social power and influence decision-making. \end{enumerate} The question asks on what basis classes and status groups are differentiated. The primary basis of differentiation for a status group is its unique lifestyle and the social honour it receives, which is distinct from the purely economic basis of a class. While "market economy" is the basis for class, "lifestyles" is the most direct answer for the basis of status groups, which is the key point of differentiation from class. Therefore, lifestyles are the basis on which status groups are formed and differentiated from economic classes. Step 3: Final Answer:
According to Max Weber, status groups are differentiated primarily based on their distinct lifestyles and the social honour associated with them, which contrasts with the economic market position that defines classes.