Perspective on Inequality -- Social Class Theories Abroad

Author: Li Lulu, Sun Zhixiang, Editors
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
Features: Social inequality is one of the most important social phenomena, significantly impacting social stability and development. Sociological research on social inequality is known as the "social stratification" issue. The essence of social inequality lies in the unequal distribution of social resources among members, such as wealth, income, prestige, educational opportunities, occupational status, etc. For this reason, Karl Marx and Max Weber provided two basic theoretical models and analytical frameworks: the class theory and the pluralistic social stratification theory. They offered distinct theoretical explanations for the nature, determinants, and forms of social stratification, representing two fundamentally different theoretical orientations that have had a profound influence on later research on social stratification. Examples include: New Marxist class theory and social inequality; segmented labor market and social inequality; work organization and social inequality; social network and status attainment; occupational status, occupational mobility, and social inequality, as well as the property restructuring of Eastern European countries since the late 1980s and early 1990s. The editors of this book have compiled essays by renowned experts from China and abroad who specialize in social stratification and social inequality theory. Each article in the book stands as an independent theoretical system while also aligning with the overall theme, creating a coherent structure that comprehensively discusses cutting-edge research on social stratification and social inequality both domestically and internationally.