Social Stratification and Class Inequality

Questions and Answers

What are life's chances?

The sort of life he or she is likely to have.

What is social class?

Both a source of identity and a structure of inequality.

What is social stratification?

The system of structured social inequality and the structure of mobility in a society.

What does stratification refer to in sociology?

The ranking of people. Signup and view all the answers

Why do we have social stratification according to Durkheim?

It creates interdependence among society's members. Signup and view all the answers

What is meritocracy?

A system in which those who rule the society are in those positions because they deserve to be. Signup and view all the answers

What did Marx say about social stratification?

It is a case of oppression and exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a caste system?

A fixed, permanent system in which you are born into a position based on occupation. Signup and view all the answers

What is feudalism?

A fixed, permanent system in which you are born either lord or serf. Signup and view all the answers

What is a class system?

The most modern and open form of stratification, based on economic position. Signup and view all the answers

What were the three components of social class according to Max Weber?

Economic, social, and political. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three dimensions of stratification according to Max Weber?

Class position, status, and power. Signup and view all the answers

What are the seven socioeconomic classes in the United States?

Upper-class, lower-upper class, upper middle-class, middle-middle class, working class, lower class, under class. Signup and view all the answers

What is Oscar Lewis' culture of poverty thesis?

Poverty is a result of social and cultural factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is intergenerational social mobility?

You are in a different class than your parents. Signup and view all the answers

What is intragenerational social mobility?

You move between classes within your lifetime. Signup and view all the answers

What is global inequality?

Systematic differences in wealth and power among countries. Signup and view all the answers

What does modernization theory argue?

Poor countries stay poor due to inadequate work ethic and hindering economic policies. Signup and view all the answers

What is dependency theory?

Poor countries are poor because they are exploited by wealthy countries. Signup and view all the answers

What is world system theory?

The economy is an international network dominated by capitalism. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three economic zones of the world economy?

Core, periphery, and semiperiphery. Signup and view all the answers

What are global commodity chains?

Chains that connect raw materials to finished products to consumers. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the bourgeoisie?

Upper-class capitalists who owned the means of production. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'class' in sociology?

A group of people sharing the same social position in society. Signup and view all the answers

What is colonialism?

A political-economic system where powerful countries exploit weaker ones. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'feminization of poverty' refer to?

The increasing representation of women among the poor. Signup and view all the answers

What is poverty line?

Estimated minimum income required to pay for basic necessities. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the proletariat according to Karl Marx?

The lower classes who were forced to become wage laborers. Signup and view all the answers

What is socioeconomic status?

Your social connections, taste in art, and your statuses. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Oscar Lewis?

The author of the culture of poverty thesis. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Karl Marx?

One of the founders of sociology, focusing on social class. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Immanuel Wallerstein?

The creator of world system theory and the term world economy. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Max Weber?

One of the founders of sociology; he built upon Marx's theories. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Life's Chances

Refers to the potential quality and outcomes of an individual's life based on various factors.

Serves as a significant identifier for individuals and contributes to social inequality.

Describes the organized system of social inequality within a society, including mobility structures.

Stratification

Involves the hierarchical ranking of individuals or groups within a society.

Durkheim proposed that stratification fosters interdependence in complex societies, ensuring mutual reliance among members.

Meritocracy

A system where social positions and important roles are earned based on merit and capabilities.

Views it as a mechanism for oppression and class exploitation, maintained by elites for personal gains while allowing minimal mobility.

Caste System

A rigid social structure where individuals are born into fixed positions, exemplified by the Indian caste system.

Feudalism

A static system dividing society into lords and serfs, emphasizing mutual obligations in their interactions.

Class System

Represents the modern and most flexible form of stratification, where status is based on achieved economic positions.

Identifies three key components: economic class position, social status, and political power.

Weber's Stratification Dimensions

Class: Relates to occupation and wealth.
Status: Influenced by societal perceptions and lifestyle.
Power: The capacity to influence and direct societal outcomes.

Socioeconomic Classes in the U.S.

Defined categories include upper class, lower-upper class, upper middle class, middle-middle class, working class, lower class, and underclass.

Oscar Lewis' Culture of Poverty Thesis

Suggests that poverty perpetuates through cultural conditioning, limiting aspirations and resilience among poor communities.

The ability of an individual to achieve a different socioeconomic status than their parents.

Movement between socio-economic classes occurs within an individual’s lifetime.

Global Inequality

Refers to the persistent disparities in wealth and power between countries.

Modernization Theory

Posits that a lack of economic development in poorer nations stems from cultural inadequacies and ineffective governmental policies.

Dependency Theory

Argues that poor countries’ underdevelopment results from exploitation by wealthy nations and multinational companies.

World System Theory

Describes the world economy as an interconnected network dominated by capitalism, influencing all countries involved.

Economic Zones in the World Economy

Divided into three classifications: core (developed), periphery (developing), and semi-periphery (intermediate).

Global Commodity Chains

Networks that connect raw materials through production to final consumers.

Bourgeoisie

Marx's term for upper-class capitalists controlling production means; now includes influential upper-class managers.

Class Definition

Groups individuals based on shared income, power, and prestige, influencing their societal standing.

Colonialism

Economic and political domination of weaker countries by stronger nations for resource and labor exploitation.

Feminization of Poverty

Describes the growing number of women in poverty due to various socio-economic factors.

Poverty Line

The minimum income necessary to afford basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing.

Proletariat

Marx's term for the working-class individuals forced into wage labor to survive.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

A comprehensive measure evaluating an individual’s rank based on a combination of various social, economic, and cultural factors.

Oscar Lewis

Developed the culture of poverty thesis, emphasizing the societal roots of poverty.

Karl Marx

Foundational sociologist who focused on class as a central factor in his theories, introducing terms like bourgeoisie and proletariat.

Immanuel Wallerstein

Initiated the world system theory, emphasizing global economic structures.

Max Weber

Co-founder of sociology; expanded on Marx's theories, detailing class, status, and power dimensions.

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Description

Explore the complexities of social stratification, its impact on life chances, and the roles of social class and meritocracy. Delve into the contrasting views of theorists like Durkheim and Marx, and understand the implications of rigid systems such as the caste system. This quiz highlights key concepts critical to the study of sociology.