Questions and Answers
What term describes the unequal distribution of wealth, power, or prestige among members of a society?
social inequality
What term describes the division of society into groups arranged in a social hierarchy?
social stratification
Social stratification persists over generations.
True
Social stratification is maintained through beliefs that are widely shared by members of society.
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Social stratification is a characteristic of society.
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Different societies use the same criteria for ranking their members.
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Social stratification in one form or another is present in all societies.
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Which of the following is not a major system of stratification?
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Which of the following are types of slavery occurring in the world today?
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What is the estimated number of people trapped in modern-day slavery?
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Place each category of the Hindu caste system in order from top to bottom stratum.
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What concept does the example of discrimination against black men compared to black women highlight?
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Identify the factors that have preserved the Indian caste system.
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What is the traditional basis of the caste system?
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Which social class category is comprised of people who live in poverty conditions and typically earn $15,000 or less per year?
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How much social mobility is there in the modern United States compared to fifty years ago?
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What concept does the cycle of poverty and lack of opportunities exemplify?
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What is the practice of banks identifying high-risk neighborhoods for mortgages?
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In what year did 45.3 million Americans live below the poverty line?
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What is the poverty line in the United States, as defined for a family of four?
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Study Notes
Social Inequality and Stratification
- Social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of wealth, power, or prestige in society.
- Social stratification is the division of society into hierarchical groups, affecting individuals' access to resources and opportunities.
Generational Persistency and Beliefs
- Wealth often persists across generations, indicating that social stratification can be inherited.
- The American achievement ideology implies that failure is due to a lack of effort, reinforcing stratification through shared societal beliefs.
Characteristics of Social Stratification
- Social stratification is evident in various forms across all societies, with different criteria for ranking members, including race and gender.
- The Hindu caste system exemplifies how societal roles are often defined by hereditary status.
Discrimination and Intersectionality
- Evidence shows that black men face greater discrimination compared to black women in the labor market, demonstrating the importance of intersectionality in social dynamics.
Social Class Structure
- Major class categories include upper-middle class, middle class, working (lower-middle) class, working poor, underclass, and upper class, each defined by occupations, income, or wealth.
- Movement between classes can be challenging, especially in systems like slavery and caste.
Global Perspectives on Stratification
- Different countries exhibit unique stratification systems. For instance, Iran utilizes religion for social hierarchy, while Sweden emphasizes social services and high taxation.
- Brazil shows that while racial groups are less defined due to intermarriage, skin color still influences social standing.
Poverty and Social Mobility
- Absolute deprivation describes conditions where families struggle to secure basic needs, contrasting with relative deprivation, where individuals feel impoverished compared to those around them.
- Economic mobility in the US has remained relatively stable over the past fifty years, indicating systematic issues in moving out of lower economic classes.
Historical and Economic Context
- The feudal system was the dominant social structure in Europe for centuries but began to decline in the 1800s.
- Factors preserving systems like the Indian caste include endogamy and social closure, which limit mobility and maintain the stratification hierarchy.
Cultural Capital and Education
- Pierre Bourdieu emphasized the role of cultural capital in maintaining social stratification, where education and skills are pivotal for creating class stability.
Health and Economic Well-being
- Individuals with higher education levels have better access to health insurance, highlighting the correlation between education and economic security.
- The federal minimum wage impacts economic stability for low-income families, illustrating the relationship between wage levels and social class.
Poverty Statistics
- In 2013, approximately 45.3 million Americans lived below the poverty line, defined as earning less than $24,000 for a family of four.
- Various poverty policies have evolved in the US, including Social Security and Medicaid, to address the needs of low-income individuals.
Disenfranchisement and Political Participation
- Individuals in poverty are often politically disenfranchised, affecting their engagement in political processes.
- Practices like redlining show systemic barriers in access to mortgages and housing for marginalized communities, further entrenching inequality.
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Description
Test your understanding of social inequality and stratification concepts. This quiz covers topics such as generational wealth, societal beliefs, and the characteristics of different stratification systems. Explore how these factors influence access to resources and opportunities in society.
