<P> Marx makes the argument that, as the bourgeoisie reach a point of wealth accumulation, they hold enough power as the dominant class to shape political institutions and society according to their own interests . Marx then goes on to claim that the non-elite class, owing to their large numbers, have the power to overthrow the elite and create an equal society . </P> <P> In The Communist Manifesto, Marx himself argued that it was the goal of the proletariat itself to displace the capitalist system with socialism, changing the social relationships underpinning the class system and then developing into a future communist society in which: "the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all". This would mark the beginning of a classless society in which human needs rather than profit would be motive for production . In a society with democratic control and production for use, there would be no class, no state and no need for financial and banking institutions and money . </P> <P> Max Weber formulated a three - component theory of stratification that saw social class as emerging from an interplay between "class", "status" and "power". Weber believed that class position was determined by a person's relationship to the means of production, while status or "Stand" emerged from estimations of honor or prestige . </P> <P> Weber derived many of his key concepts on social stratification by examining the social structure of many countries . He noted that contrary to Marx's theories, stratification was based on more than simply ownership of capital . Weber pointed out that some members of the aristocracy lack economic wealth yet might nevertheless have political power . Likewise in Europe, many wealthy Jewish families in lack prestige and honor, because they were a member of a "pariah group" like the Jews . </P>

The top social class in ancient societies was typically occupied by whom