The
three-component theory of stratification, more widely known as
Weberian stratification or the
three class system, was developed by German
sociologist Max Weber with
class,
status and
party as distinct ideal types. Weber developed a multidimensional approach to
social stratification that reflects the interplay among wealth, prestige and power.
- Weber argued that power can take a variety of forms. A person’s power can be shown in the social order through their status, in the economic order through their class, and in the political order through their party. Thus, class, status and party are each aspects of the distribution of power within a community.
Class, status and party have not only a great deal of effect within their individual areas but also a great deal of influence over the other areas.