Question

1. Discuss how race and class overlap. Does conflict theory provide a coherent pattern for understanding this overlap? Why or why not? Explain how society participates in constructing either gender or race. Explain why the use of conflict theory is prevalent in feminist theory Choose one of the three major forms of stratification (class, race, or gender). Discuss how Berger and Mills's theories on power and control explain and maintain that stratification. In what areas do you believe that Berger and Mills fail to adequately explain this stratification?

Answer 1

Race and class overlap in respect of economic condition. In the rich class people there is no racism as they all depend on each other in respect of economic exchange and business transaction.

In respect of the conflict theory it is said that there are two classes - bourgeoisie and proletariat. In bourgeoisie there can be people of all races. Similarly, in the class of proletariat there are people of all races. A black individual can be in the bourgeoisie class and a white individual can be in the proletariat class.

Society makes people sense of gender and race. The sense of gender and race is the product of social development. It is the part of class division in the society. There is marked distinction in the genders and races. It is a part of cultural belief. In respect of similarity of appearance and culture there are many communities and they vary in culture.

According to the Conflict theory there should not be any discrimination between men and women. It emphasizes on the equality and equal distribution of advantages. Women must be paid equal salary to men. The Conflict theory supports the gender equality and feminist movement against the sex subjugation and gender discrimination. It strongly opposes the discrimination on the basis of sex in every community and says that such discrimination will lead to the revolution.

The theory of power and control says that there is a separate class of the rich people. The rich people try to control the social system with power and wealth. They do not want to change their class. Therefore they even marry their sons and daughters in their own class. They want to control their power on the ordinary people and therefore they give emphasis on the increase of relationship in themselves.