Class, Power, and Status by Max Weber - Essay Example

Max Weber explained that some terms, in sociology, are calculability meant emphasis in the predictability and quantification. On the other hand, demystification meant a process where magical elements are eliminated from society for more logical components, and efficiency meant doing something in the most direct way or quickest respectively (“Theories”, 2015). Weber had a significant impact on sociology by coming up with various theories. The theory of verstehen or better known as empathetic understanding resulted in symbolic interactionism in what was fondly called the perspective of interpretive sociology. He enhanced the understanding of the basis of social imbalance. He is also credited with the development of the methodological concept. He further proposed the study of large-scale social processes such as the rise of bureaucratization and the importance of rationalization in the western nations (“Theories”, 2015).

Weber’s main theory was of class, power, and status.  Class is defined as a number of people having a common and specific causal component of their life chances (“Theories”, 2015). This component is represented exclusively by economic interests in the possession of goods and opportunities for income and is represented under the conditions of the commodity or labor markets. Classification of people into such groups is based on their consumption patterns rather than their place in the market or the process of production. Weber was concerned with analytically separating class from the status group. According to Weber, class is power in the marketplace; Status Groups are communities of people who are defined as belonging to the same social group based on their ideas about proper lifestyles and by the social esteem and honor bestowed upon them by others (“Theories”, 2015). Status groups involve exclusiveness of membership; awareness of similar tastes, lifestyles, and interests; and a tendency to act and interact as a group. Prestige is associated with the style of life of a status group. Status is a personal evaluation people make of one another. Within any given class, one may find several status groups. Additionally, a member of a specific status group is bound by expectations of restrictions on social intercourse with those not belonging to the circle and is supposed to display social distance towards inferiors. Weber also discussed the party in reference to the political sphere that allowed command over resources in society (“Theories”, 2015).

Cathedral consumption refers to the kind of consumption that is associated with multinational companies. This simply means that their brand is a local favorite in every country the brand is sold thus it is consumed in large numbers. This consumption even patterns the behavior of society. Weber would be in opposition to this sort of consumption or effect because of the effect it has on society especially with regard to class, status, and power (“Theories”, 2015).