(1)

In Weber’s theory of stratification, he recognizes that rather than class being the only factor in how much power one withholds; status, and party also play a role in the equation. Marx’s theory is that those who are more wealthy have more power, and while this is true, Weber expanded the theory by stating that multiple factors contribute to one’s power. Weber viewed class and status groups as phenomena of distribution of power in a community (O’Regan 340). I agree with Weber’s theory over Marx’s because I believe that stratification is composed of multiple factors other than one’s financial situation, while someone can be wealthy but have little power. This theory can be examined by exemplifying my community. Status contributes to the power one may hold because it is a part of their identity. If some one has a more “respectable” and “traditional” job, they have more credibility and prestige. For instance, a drug dealer can have the same income as a normal business owner, but since dealing drugs is illegal, it is looked down on, therefore they have less power. In my specific community, West Texas, business men in the oil industry, along with doctors and lawyers have the most power because they are of high prestige as well as jobs that make people wealthy, which is an area where status, class, and power all intersect.  Weber also included parties as a factor that contributes to power, parties being any type of organizational group with a motive. In my community, Christianity is very prevalent and many view it as a deciding factor of whether or not some one is a good person. Unfortunately, in West Texas, non-Christians are generally looked down upon, many reinforce social segregation, giving Christian’s more power (Fulton 1068). Additionally, my community is very conservative, so the citizens typically respect republicans more, as well as vote for them in elections, giving them even more power. In conclusion, because of the circumstances and beliefs of my community, a wealthy, Christian, oil industry business man will withhold far more power than one in an opposite situation. Even if the opposite person is wealthy, if they are an atheist or a democrat, they will not be as powerful as the first person mentioned, further confirming Weber’s theory.

(2)

The community I belong to is a small west Texas town located 32 miles south of Odessa, Texas. Crane is the only town in Crane County. It mainly has oilfield business. It sits in the middle of two major interstates on Highway 385. It has a population of 4,675 according to the 2020 Census. The population race origin is majority white in which 66.1% is Hispanic and 29.3% is non-Hispanic, and 3.7% is Black or African American. In the 2020 Presidential election Crane County is listed as a Republican Party community. According to the Texas Tribune 2020 Presidential results Crane County voters consisted of 83 % Republican Party, 16% Democratic Party and other independent was 1%.  The Census Bureau listed the following education levels in the community 79.5% are high school graduates and 14.7% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

As an employee and Alumni for the school district I am employed by I have witnessed the shift in administrative power. In the past all administration positions have always included a male in the role. Today, the positions are held by women. These changes “elucidate a cluster of mechanisms through which social policies shape culture and the future of gender relations” (Calnitsky:36).

Weber’s beliefs in what forms power includes the connection between class, status, and party. I believe that Weber’s belief is more attainable by individuals. Weber had a “spirit of capitalism” (Heinz:34). It is believed that Weber’s “protestant ethic that brought about the capitalist spirit” (Heinz:33). Weber’s beliefs were that an individual’s outcome is dedicated to their drive and how they do the things they do. Weber’s essay defines power as “the chance of a man or of a number of men to realize their own will in a social action even against the resistance of others” (Edles, Applerouth, 199).

IN 6-7 LINES, RESPOND TO THIS TWO DISCUSSION BORAD. PLREASE WITH REFERENCE AND CITATION