Perspective on Inequality: International Social Class Theories

Author: Li Lulu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
Features: Social inequality is one of the most important social phenomena, with a significant impact on 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, namely class theory and pluralistic social stratification theory. They offered different theoretical explanations for the nature, determinants, and forms of social stratification, representing two fundamentally distinct 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 editor of this book has compiled discussions on social inequality 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 complete and comprehensive structure that covers cutting-edge research on social stratification and social inequality both domestically and internationally.