Questions and Answers
What is Social Stratification?
What are the three main classes in the United States?
Upper, middle, and lower class.
What is global stratification?
A comparison of the wealth, economic stability, status, and power of countries as a whole.
What perspective examines social stratification from a micro-level?
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What is a caste system?
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How is social class defined?
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What is meritocracy?
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Define social mobility.
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What is the definition of wealth?
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What does downward mobility refer to?
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What do class traits refer to?
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What is status consistency?
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Define intergenerational mobility.
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What is structural mobility?
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What is conspicuous consumption?
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Study Notes
Social Stratification Overview
- Stratification systems are classified as closed (limited mobility) or open (allows movement)
- Caste systems are based on ascribed status; individuals remain in a social position for life
- Class systems are more flexible, with social position influenced by personal achievements
- Meritocracy is a system emphasizing personal merit and effort as key to social standing
Social Classes in the United States
- Three main social classes: upper, middle, and lower class
- Social mobility allows individuals to shift between classes
- Class traits or markers define behaviors, customs, and norms associated with each class
Global Stratification
- Global stratification assesses the relative wealth, stability, and power among countries
- Comparisons of income and productivity highlight global inequalities
Sociological Perspectives on Stratification
- Functionalism views stratification as necessary for societal functioning
- Conflict theory focuses on inequality and class conflict, particularly between the wealthy and workers
- Symbolic interactionism analyzes everyday interactions influenced by social class and status
Key Definitions in Stratification
- Caste system: Birth-based social status retained for life
- Class: A group sharing similar social status influenced by wealth, income, education, and occupation
- Class system: Social standing determined by a combination of social factors and individual accomplishments
- Class traits (class markers): Behaviors, customs, and norms typical of a particular social class
- Conspicuous consumption: Purchasing goods to signify social status
- Davis-Moore thesis: Proposes that some stratification is necessary for societal functioning
Mobility Concepts
- Downward mobility: Decrease in one's social class
- Endogamous marriages: Unions within the same social category
- Exogamous unions: Marriages between individuals from different social categories
- Intergenerational mobility: Social class differences across generations within a family
- Intragenerational mobility: Social class differences among individuals of the same generation
- Social mobility: The potential for individuals to change their social position
- Structural mobility: Changes in society that can elevate or reduce the social status of a whole group
Additional Important Terms
- Wealth: Accumulated assets of an individual or household
- Income: Earnings from work or investments
- Standard of living: Level of wealth and material comfort available to individuals or families
- Status consistency: Consistency of rank across social categories such as income and education
- Upward mobility: Increase in social class
- Social stratification: A system categorizing members of society into hierarchical groups based on wealth, power, and prestige
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Description
Explore the concepts of social stratification in the U.S. through this engaging flashcard quiz. Understand the differences between closed and open stratification systems, including caste and class systems. Test your knowledge and grasp of social mobility and class distinctions.
