Social Class

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  • Created by: kmules15
  • Created on: 31-03-22 09:48
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  • Social Class
    • Explains most important divides in society
      • People with a similar socio-econ position have similar outlook and aims
      • Classes = primary agent for change
        • Marxists= conflict between rev and ruling classes is driving force behind change
      • However, focus on social class comes from commitment to protecting interests of working class
        • Working class = means for socialist transformation
        • Not viewed as essential/ everlasting feature of soc
          • Aim = eradicate class distinctions or diminish them
    • Disgaree over importance
      • Marxists emphasise role based on econ division between capital and labour
        • Person's position is determined by relationship to means of production
          • Conflict is inevitable between capitalists and working class
        • Under capitalism, state = instrument of class rule
          • Bourgeoisie use instits to maintain dominance
          • Divides soc into haves and have nots
          • Leads to proletarian rev
            • State will only wither away once soc is classless
      • Social democrats = more fluid
        • Emphasise income and status differences
        • Argue for narrowing class distinctions
          • Advocate class consensus and peaceful social improvement
        • State = not instrument of oppression
          • Provides welfare and  distribution, which can reduce inequalities
    • Connection between socialism and class conflict has weakened
      • Decline in class politics = econ change
        • Deindustrialisation + rise in service sector
          • Deindust = decline in trad industries (mining etc) which previously supported culture pro-socialist-worker politics
          • Reduced size of manual workforce + expanded middle classes
    • Mod socialists have adapted programme to appeal to non-manual workers
      • Less emphasis on redress of working class grievances

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