"Every societyis divided into groupings and strata with distinctive life styles" – who said this?

Correct option is C

Max Weber

Max Weber, a renowned German sociologist, argued that society is divided into groupings and strata, each with distinct lifestyles. In his work, Weber expanded upon Marx's economic class theory, adding the concept of social status and life chances. Unlike Marx, who focused predominantly on class as defined by the relationship to the means of production, Weber emphasized the interplay between economic class, social status, and political power. He noted that these social divisions influence lifestyles, opportunities, and cultural values. Weber's theory highlights how people's life choices and opportunities are determined not just by economic factors but also by their social standing and political affiliations, which can significantly affect their life experiences.

Information Booster:

1. Weber’s Three Dimensions of Stratification – Max Weber proposed that social stratification consists of three interrelated dimensions: economic class, social status, and political power.
2. Distinctive Lifestyles – Weber argued that each stratum in society has its own distinctive lifestyle, which influences how individuals live, work, and interact.
3. Life Chances – Weber introduced the concept of life chances, which refers to the opportunities individuals have for social mobility and economic advancement, based on their position in society's stratification.
4. Social Status vs. Class – Unlike Marx, who focused on economic class, Weber also focused on social status, or the prestige associated with one's position in society, which could differ from class.
5. Power and Authority – Weber’s analysis of power is central to understanding his view of society. He identified three types of authority: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational, which influence individuals' opportunities and lifestyles.
6. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism – One of Weber’s most famous works, it links Protestant ethics to the rise of capitalism in Western Europe, showing how cultural values and status shape economic systems and lifestyles.

Additional Knowledge:

• Karl Marx – Marx's theory of class focuses on the economic structure and the conflict between the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class), emphasizing the importance of economic relations in shaping society.
• Emile Durkheim – Durkheim, a founding figure in sociology, focused on the social cohesion and solidarity within societies. He is known for his work on division of labor and collective consciousness, but he did not specifically emphasize the relationship between strata and lifestyle.
• Thorstein Veblen – Veblen was an economist and sociologist who introduced the concept of conspicuous consumption and critiqued the leisure class, but he did not emphasize strata with distinctive lifestyles in the same way as Weber.