Burzan, N. (2011), Soziale Ungleichheit - Eine Einführung in die zentralen Theorien, Wiesbaden: VS Verlag.

Social inequality is a pervasive and complex issue that has been a subject of extensive debate and analysis within the field of sociology. Nicole Burzan has written a book about the limitations of traditional class models, the emergence of newer approaches, the individualization thesis, and the challenges of analyzing lifestyles and class structures in the context of social inequality.

One of the central criticisms of traditional class models, particularly those influenced by Marxist ideology, is that they oversimplify the complexities of social conditions and power relations. Marx's model primarily focused on economic determinants, emphasizing the role of two main classes – the bourgeoisie and the proletariat – in shaping society. Critics argue that this binary view fails to account for the emergence of new middle classes and social mobility. In reality, society is characterized by a myriad of social classes with varying levels of power and influence. Furthermore, the predicted proletarian revolution and the achievement of a classless society, as envisioned by Marx, have not materialized as expected. The institutionalization of class conflicts has reduced the intensity of class struggles over time.

To address these shortcomings, alternative approaches to analyzing social inequality have emerged, drawing inspiration from both Marx and Weber, as well as stratification research. These newer approaches consider multiple dimensions of inequality, recognizing that economic factors alone cannot fully explain the complexities of social structures. Stratification models, for instance, take into account various criteria such as occupation, education, income, and social esteem to assign individuals to specific classes or strata. The focus here is not solely on the causes of social inequality but also on the unequal living conditions and social opportunities that different classes experience.

In the midst of evolving discussions on class and stratification models, the individualization thesis introduced by Ulrich Beck provides another perspective on social inequality. According to this thesis, societal groups can no longer be neatly categorized as classes or strata. Instead, individuals are seen as independent entities with their subjective lifestyles, which are separate from objective conditions. This individualization shift is characterized by the liberation from traditional bonds, the absence of fixed orientations, and the reintegration through voluntary affiliations. While this perspective emphasizes self-responsibility and self-management, it also brings increased uncertainty for individuals. Individualization does not imply the end of society, but rather a shift from rigid social structures to more fluid and dynamic ones.

Moreover, lifestyle and milieu research have been instrumental in understanding social inequality, but they have faced criticisms for being overly descriptive and lacking theoretical grounding. To move beyond simplistic interpretations, it is essential to consider both individual preferences and structural influences. Furthermore, the process of individualization and the diversification of lifestyles have significant implications for social hierarchies and class structures. It is crucial to understand the contextual factors and institutional frameworks that shape individual choices and experiences.

Throughout these discussions, it becomes evident that there are connections between the study of social inequality and various sociological theories, such as gender research, network analysis, life course models, and organizational sociology. While it may not be possible to develop a comprehensive integrated theory that encompasses all aspects of social inequality, researchers can strive to incorporate different perspectives and maintain openness to other theoretical frameworks.