Rural Sociology and Psycology

1.3.13.Social classes

The term social class defined as abstract categories of persons arranged in levels according to the social status they possess. T here is no firm license separating one category from the other. Classes are loosely organized groupings, whose members behave towards each other as social equals. Three ibis a marked distinction between social class and group.

Closely intertwined with social customs is the social class membership which has far – reaching effects the individual’s attitude and behavior. The classes may be based on power, prestige, wealth or a combination of these and other factors.

The very nature of organization itself involves a division of labor and where there are different roles there will be different statutes. Even the most simply organized group has leaders and followers; leadership and fellowship mean different roles and different statutes. The chaise is not between a society that is stratified and one that id not, because every society is stratified. The choke is in relation to what type of stratification is desirable.

Defined classes are culturally defined groups recognized as such by society. Cultural classes are further social strata that have developed sub cultural patterns of behavior. The patterns are distinguished from each other.

Economic classes are groups engaged in different economic activities or standing in different relationships to the means of production in a society.

Political classes are groups formed on the basis of political power.

Self defined classes are conceives in terms of identification of their members.

Participation classes are described in terms of the identification of ties between the members. These social ties are social contacts, marriage and similar relationships in which the class as a whole participates.