7.1d Power, Property, and Prestige

Whereas Marx focused on the divide between owners and workers, Weber studied the effects of economic position (property), prestige, and power on individuals’ status and life chances. Prestige refers to the level of worth, honor, respect, and deference given to individuals due to their position, and it is symbolic. Weber also emphasized the role of power. Suppose prestige is bestowed upon an individual by others. In that case, the person with more prestige has power over others with less.

Weber’s perspective illuminates some contradictions in social class positions. Individuals may rank high, low, or inconsistent across these three class factors: property (defined as income and wealth), prestige, and power. For example, a religious leader may have little property, but high levels of prestige due to their occupation. Furthermore, someone who ranks high in one area can use that advantage to gain rank in another.