What is Karl Marx's perspective on social stratification?

Answer 1

Marx believed that whatever economic system was the norm at any one time in history is what determined the nature of the classes of people in that society. In other words it determined the social stratification of society as a whole.

Marx saw that the current economic system of industrialized capitalism had created two major classes of people and one relatively minor one. The upper class he called the Bourgeoisie. This class of people owned and controlled the means of production of society. They owned the factories, transportation facilities and any other industry that employed laborers. The lower class he called the Proletariat. These were common laborers who owned nothing but the right to sell their own labor.

Marx recognized a third class which he called the petty Bourgeoisie or small capitalists. These people could be called the middle class to a degree. These were people like lawyers, doctors, architects, small business owners and other similarly situated people who were wealthier than the common laborer but did not own or control the means of production. The people in this class did not truly belong to either of the other classes but most likely aspired to be part of the upper class rather than the lower class. Thus, their interests were akin to those of the Bourgeoisie rather than to the Proletariat.

As capitalism evolved into socialism the classes would become less and less stratified until finally, under true communism there would be no class distinctions at all.

Answer 2

Karl Marx believed that social stratification is inherently unjust, as it is based on exploitation and inequality inherent in capitalist societies. He argued that it leads to conflict between social classes and ultimately results in the struggle for revolution to create a classless society. Marx viewed social stratification as a tool used by the ruling class to maintain their power and exploit the working class.

Answer 3

social class was solely based on ones relationship to the means of production.