Why New Zealand Is Not A Classless Society Essay - 1892 Words

Social class, is a highly controversial topic and is one of the most debated topics amongst sociologists, with many different theorists claiming it entails different things. There has been much debate between sociologists whether or not New Zealand is a classless society, and I am here today to argue against this view, stating my reasons as to why New Zealand is not a classless society and in fact never has been. I will argue this by looking at the social stratification of New Zealand throughout time, dating back to Traditional Maori in the early nineteenth century, through to the contemporary society we see today. In order to argue this point, it is first necessary to define what class is. Class refers to a form of stratification: â€Å"the process by which human society rank and evaluate themselves into a hierarchical order† (Spoonley et al. 1990) and according to Marxist theory, exists in two distinctive categories: the bourgeoisie: those who own and control production and the proletariat: the working class that provides the labour for production (McLennan, Ryan and Spoonley, 2004). Weber’s analysis of class is similar to Marx’s, but in contrast he discusses class in the context of social stratification more generally. Weber’s sociological perspective puts emphasis on status and power rather than materialism, arguing class arose through competition for economic resources, social prestige and political influence (Richard Bedggood, 1980) At a more basic level when sociologistsShow MoreRelatedS New Zealand/Aotearoa a Classless Society?4186 Words   |  17 PagesIntroduction to Sociology and Community Development CSTU 5110-2167 Lecturer: Dr Denys Delany ESSAY IS NEW ZEALAND/AOTEAROA A CLASSLESS SOCIETY? DISCUSS – IF SO WHAT DEFINES THIS STRUCTURE? – IF NOT WHAT IS THE MAIN BASIS OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION IN NEW ZEALAND/AOTEAROA? 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