Current Social Stratification in Britain and Its Consequences for Society

Introduction

This essay will consider the current social stratification in Britain and its consequences for society. The impact of cultural differences will also be considered. I will then focus on social class according to conflict theories as well as the opposing consensus approach. My view is that the division of classes greatly influences conflict in society, particularly now as the proletariat are recognizing their oppression by the bourgeoisie.

Current Social Stratification in Britain

It is often a focus in contemporary Britain to identify the classification between the middle and working class. “This distinction carries moral and cultural, as well as economic, political and social characteristics” (Savage, 2015, p. 45). The National Statistics socio-economic classification uses analytic classes, operational categories, and sub-categories, which are constantly revised and mark new boundaries of social class. These classifications are not just numerical or economic, but they also encompass cultural and lifestyle differences that can affect people's opportunities and interactions within society.

Conflict Theories

The conflict approach, propounded by Karl Marx, recognizes existing inequalities in a society of domination and subordination between social groups. Feminism is a conflict theory that identifies the inequalities of gender in a patriarchal society. Marxist Feminism is a sub-type of feminist ideology that acknowledges the role of capitalism in the oppression of women. This perspective argues that the capitalist system inherently benefits men over women, further entrenching gender inequalities (Engels, 1884).

Marxist theory disagrees with the view that social order occurs due to consensus but argues that it is maintained by coercion, material inducement, or ideological manipulation. The social relations of production are a key concept in Marxism where the bourgeoisie control the means of production and exploit the proletariat as laborers under capitalism. Therefore, class is defined as a person’s relationship to the forces of production. This theory can be considered still relevant in contemporary society as there is still an unequal distribution of wealth where the capitalist class extracts surplus value from the proletariat by paying them as little as possible.

Consensus Approach

In contrast, the consensus approach would argue that through shared norms and values, social equilibrium and stability are maintained. Functionalist theorist Durkheim explains society as an organic analogy, which refers to different institutions (e.g., family, media) with important functions in likeness to organs in a body (Durkheim, 1893). In reference to social class, consensus theorists accept social differentiation as legitimate and necessary. They argue that each class plays a role in the functioning of society, and this differentiation allows for the efficient operation of social institutions.

Conclusion

To conclude, social class shows a divide in society, therefore, the causation of conflict in a system of inequality. This is highlighted in conflict theories dating back to the 19th century, which are still relevant in contemporary society. Despite the consensus approach suggesting social hierarchy as setting standards for the proletariat to conform in order to maintain solidarity and stability, my position is that the division is unhealthy for society. The persistent inequalities and tensions arising from these class divisions highlight the need for a reevaluation of societal structures to promote a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

References

• Durkheim, E. (1893). The Division of Labor in Society. New York: Free Press.
• Engels, F. (1884). The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State. Zurich: Hottingen.
• Savage, M. (2015). Social Class in the 21st Century. London: Penguin Books.