Westergaard & Rester on Class | A Level Sociology | Stratification & Differentiation

This video explores the research of Westergaard and Resler on social class.

In their seminal work, Class in a Capitalist Society (1975), sociologists John Westergaard and Henrietta Resler conducted a comprehensive analysis of social class structures in contemporary Britain. Challenging the notion of a classless society, they argued that significant class inequalities persisted, deeply rooted in the capitalist system. Their research highlighted that economic disparities, particularly in income and wealth distribution, remained substantial despite post-war social reforms. They contended that the state often served the interests of the ruling capitalist class, maintaining existing power structures. Additionally, they observed that social mobility was limited, with elite positions predominantly occupied by individuals from privileged backgrounds. Their work underscored the enduring nature of class divisions and the influence of capitalism in perpetuating social inequalities.