Max Weber offered a significant critique and expansion of Karl Marx's largely economic-centric view of social stratification. While acknowledging the importance of economic factors, Weber argued that social stratification is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, not reducible to a single economic base.

Marx's theory of social stratification primarily focused on class, defined by one's relationship to the means of production. He posited a fundamental division between the bourgeoisie (owners of capital) and the proletariat (wage laborers), with class conflict being the driving force of historical change. For Marx, economic position was paramount, determining an individual's life chances and social standing.

Weber, while agreeing that class is a crucial dimension, broadened its definition and introduced two other independent dimensions of stratification:

1. Class (Economic Dimension): Weber defined class not solely by ownership of the means of production but more broadly by one's market situation. This includes not just property ownership but also skills, education, and occupational qualifications that individuals bring to the labor market. A doctor, for instance, might not own capital but commands a high market value due to specialized skills, placing them in a different class position than an unskilled laborer. Thus, Weber saw a more complex array of classes than Marx's simple dichotomy.

2. Status (Social Dimension): Weber introduced status groups, which are based on social honor, prestige, and lifestyle. Status is often expressed through shared consumption patterns, social associations, and community recognition, independent of economic class. For example, a respected teacher might have high status but modest income, while a 'new rich' individual might have high class but low status if their wealth is not accompanied by traditional markers of honor. Status groups often develop distinct subcultures and social closure, restricting interaction with those of lower status.

3. Party (Political Dimension): Weber identified parties as organizations or groups that aim to acquire social power and influence within a community or state. This dimension relates to the ability to achieve one's will even against the resistance of others. Political parties, interest groups, and social movements are examples of 'parties' in Weber's sense. Power can be exercised through legal, traditional, or charismatic authority and is not necessarily tied to economic class or social status. A political leader, for instance, might wield immense power despite lacking significant wealth or high social standing.

Weber's critique essentially argued that Marx's model was too simplistic and economically deterministic. He demonstrated that class, status, and party are distinct, though often interacting, dimensions that contribute independently to an individual's or group's position in the social hierarchy. An individual might be high in one dimension (e.g., high class), low in another (e.g., low status), and moderate in a third (e.g., moderate party influence). This multi-dimensional approach provides a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the complexities of social inequality and power relations in modern societies.