Though most Americans believe that there is no social difference among people, scientists claim that all people have relatively fixed positions in their lives. Moreover, these positions can be simply measured. The most common approach to assess social class is to utilize various indicators. The difference between the indicators used determines the various views on the problem of social class inequality. There exist two main trends in the study of the class difference: subjective and objective. The objective approach presupposes calculating the person’s income, educational achievements and occupational status, whereas the subjective one is based on the evaluation of attitudes and values, class identification and consumption abilities.
Also, there exist different theories that treat the problem of class inequality in various ways. Two theories, namely, conflict theory and functionalism theory, seem to be the most persuasive in their attempts to explain the origin of social class inequality.
The conflict theory is based on the principle of the classic “pyramid structure”, where there is a clear distinction between the social classes. The main feature of this “pyramid” system is that elite dictates terms to the larger classes. According to this theory, people who have conventionally been in power determine the work of major institutions, the establishment of laws and keeping to the traditions. Each of them serves as a means of support to the existing power. The rules which the people in power establish are expected to be followed by the rest of the society. Those who break the rules are considered to be deviant. The conflict theory outlines various ways used by authoritative people to stay in power. Karl Marx was the forefather of the conflict theory, and it was developed then by Max Weber, Max Gluckman, John Rex, Randall Collins and other theorists.
The supporters of the functionalism theory (Herbert Spencer, Talcott Parsons, Robert Merton), on the contrary, claim that each individual has a specific role in the society; he or she is considered like an organ in the body. The main concept related to the problem of class inequality suggested by the functional theory consists in the following: society is a system where the interdependent parts overlap.
As we can see two theories contradict one another in their approach to the problem under consideration. C. William Domhoff, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, in the selection of his book tries to combine both approaches. He claims that the way of life of the rich differs from that of the ordinary people. The status of the powerful people influences their lives. They need to keep to certain traditions which correspond to their status: participation in various social institutions is one of the most distinctive traits of life of wealthy people. The research conducted by professor Domhoff proves that though most of the wealthy people do not realize the necessity of the social activities they take part in, they strictly follow the rules that their status dictates them.
If we imagine, for example, that this status changes, the lives of the ex-wealthy people will also change completely. We suppose that this modification will be determined by the very change in the wealthy people’s assumption of the outside world. We consider that a real revolution in the life of ex-wealthy people will take place. Participation of these people in the social activities will be canceled, not only because of the material factor which seems to be the main condition of the existence of these activities, but because of the traditions that poor people will not see the necessity to keep to.
The educational system so closely examined by Domhoff in his work is a very important feature that distinguishes wealthy people. We believe that this system influences our view of the world and our general aspirations in life. Therefore, our involvement in the educational system should be given a proper consideration. One of the laws of the society is that the quality of the education got depends on the social status. Fortunately, my social status allows me to get the education I need. And, the education, in its turn, helps me to work out my own set of principles to be ruled by in this or that situation. In other spheres of life the social status I have is also beneficial for me. I really appreciate my social position and try to do my best to make use of it when the situation requires it.
I like the Domholf’s idea about the absence of tensions between the confirmed members of the powerful class and those newly arrived. My cherished dream is to observe the same situation in the whole society and not only between the rich people. The social status has its impact on every person, his or her own beliefs and principles, therefore, the equality between people, I mean the moral one, will influence positively both the members of the upper class and those who have different ranks. Needles to say that the classes are extremely different, but what they have in common may simply outweigh the existing differences.
Works Cited
Domhoff, William. Who Rules America Now? Touchstone Books, 1983.