Max Weber's understanding of social stratification is closer to empirical reality. Comment

He signifies that it is shaped not only by economic resources, but also by social and political aspects. He uses class, status and party. These 3 aspects produce enormous 'possible positions' within society, thus capturing reality better than 'rigid bipolar mode' of Marx.

He defines class based on ownership of property and 'market value of skills' of property-less groups. He conceptualizes class as groups of people having same market situation. Thus, he doesn't view class as communities like Marx. White-collar middle class expands, than contracting.

He rejects Marxist view of 'political power' necessarily from 'class'. According to him, groups are also formed because their members share a similar status situation. Status means distribution of social honour. Class, ethnicity, caste, lifestyle can be basis for this distribution. They share a shared identity, ideology. Thus they are communities. Caste system of India is perfect example.

Status groups practise social closure i.e. excluding others from its membership This is done not only by India's caste society but also by British elite society.

Status groups cut across class divisions and therefore weaken class solidarity and consciousness. It provides a reality angle to it as it explains social groups based on sexuality, gender, disease (like AIDS) etc.

Parties symbolize groups concerned with influencing policies and making decisions.

Parties may be partly class parties, status parties or may cut across these divisions. Example in India upper castes wield political power in rural setup.