The early sociologist Max Weber described three dimensions of social class. Explain those three dimensions and how they compare with contemporary notions of social class. Of the three dimensions, which dimension is the most influential determinant of social class? Explain your answer. Max Weber distinguished three major dimensions of social class. Notably, this stratification fits the contemporary world. The first dimension is economical position of an individual in the society, i.e. property. Weber believed that those who have some property can influence the development of the state. However, Weber did not state that this is the most determinant of social class. The second dimension is prestige, which does not necessarily presuppose wealth, but can be more influential in society, e.g. opinions of scientists, writers, etc. Finally, the most influential dimension is power. There are people who do not possess property but can make others act in certain way. For instance, politicians usually determine policies of the state, even though they do not possess much property or enjoy prestige. Explain the concepts of ASCRIBED vs. ACHIEVED status. In the U.S., Structural Functional theory would propose that all statuses are ACHIEVED, since the most capable achieve the greatest statuses through merit and superior performance. In contrast, the Conflict Theory perspective would claim that the opposite is true in the U.S. Describe what aspects of society Conflict Theory would cite in support of the argument that the highest statuses in the U.S. are ASCRIBED not ACHIEVED. Admittedly, social status can be either ascribed or achieved. The concept of ascribed status presupposes that an individual is ascribed the status from the moment of birth or at some period of his life without his will or irrespective of his actions. On the other hand, achieved status is gained by an individual, i.e. it is given to the individual due to his/her merits or certain behavior. According to the Conflict Theory in the US the highest statuses are ascribed. Thus, people who pertain to higher social layers have more opportunities. Thus, their children have achieved status since from the very start of their lives they have more opportunities to become successful. Explain the Evolutionary theory of stratification and the Conflict theory of Stratification. Which do you think comes closest to explaining the true nature of our system of stratification? Again, support your choice. Evolutionary theory of stratification focuses on the development of society (which consists of certain parts/structures) which presupposes differentiation, integration and disintegration. In other words, more complex social structures develop and this leads to the development and social change. According to Conflict theory society which also consists of certain structures develops due to the conflict among these structures which struggle for resources. It is possible to state that conflict theory is closer to explaining the nature of the contemporary system since Evolutionary theory explains it partially, touching upon only the outcomes of the development of society. However, initially different structures (people and groups of people) try to acquire more economical and other resources which leads to development of these structures, which, in its turn, leads to differentiation and disintegration of these structures. Gordon Alport’s theory of contact between groups contradicts the commo