Weber

       In The Distribution of Power Within the Political Community by Weber, the idea of class power and distribution is explored. While Marx argued that an individual will function and advance in a society based off of their position on the social sphere, Weber argues that the basic categories of all class situations is based off of those who own property and those who lack property. Those who own property are considered the powerful while those who do not are considered weak. Weber challenges this idea and explores the notion that an individuals position in society does not determine their class value. According to Weber, class situation is market situation. In other words classes are arranged according to their relation with the cost of production and the attainment of goods, while status groups are arranged according to their consumption of goods. He compares peoples position in society in relation to their community as a whole.

If the community is able to afford luxury items then they will acquire these. The reason Weber compares an individuals purchasing power to the status of the community can be linked to the idea that people spend and act in ways they do in order to gain social respect within their sphere.  Weber argues that an individual who may appear higher up on the social scale could in fact be in the same category as those viewed as a lower status. In politics there are three main relational aspects of power, setting values, defining interests and determining preferences. Political leaders will often act in ways to expand their own power and interests within their community. Once that power is obtained they then will turn to outside actors in the international community in order to exercise that power on them. Historically, the powerful will act in ways that keep states on the periphery down in order to maximize their own interests.

Individuals are able to determine their lifestyles based off of how they want to live, rather than based on their status. The way an individual functions and consumes in society depends on how they wish to be viewed to others.  If one covets an expensive vehicle and has the means to buy it then they ultimately determine their status by purchasing a flashy automobile. Similarly, if one does not covet high end living and chooses to live more modestly then society will view them as the average citizen. Weber explores the idea that individuals act in the ways they do based on how they want to be perceived in society. Since America is a consumer nation it would be interesting to see what Weber has to say about Americans spending habits and if they are really trying to portray themselves in a certain way or if we have just become greedy individuals. 

B . Fowler