Social Stratification and Inequality

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary basis of social stratification in a class system?

  • Economic factors such as wealth, income, and occupation (correct)
  • Access to education and social connections
  • Ascribed status, birth, and family lineage
  • Political power and cultural beliefs

What is a characteristic of a caste system?

  • Rigid and hereditary, with limited social mobility (correct)
  • The ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the social hierarchy
  • The unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and rewards among individuals or groups
  • Classes are not rigidly defined and can be fluid

What is the term for the ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the social hierarchy?

  • Social stratification
  • Social mobility (correct)
  • Social inequality
  • Status attainment

What is the type of inequality that refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and rewards among individuals or groups?

<p>Social inequality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of achieving a certain social status or position?

<p>Status attainment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the functionalist theory, what is the key factor in status attainment?

<p>Education and socialization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Basis of class system stratification

Economic factors—wealth, income, and occupation—determine social class.

Caste system characteristic

Rigid, hereditary structure with limited movement between social levels.

Social mobility

The ability to move up or down in social class.

Social inequality

Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and rewards in society.

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Status attainment

Process of acquiring a social position/status.

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Functionalist status attainment factor

Education and socialization are key to achieving social standing.

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Study Notes

Social Stratification

Class Systems

  • Based on economic factors such as wealth, income, and occupation
  • Typically divided into three main classes: upper, middle, and lower
  • Classes are not rigidly defined and can be fluid
  • Examples: capitalist societies such as the United States, UK, and Canada

Caste Systems

  • Based on ascribed status, birth, and family lineage
  • Rigid and hereditary, with limited social mobility
  • Often associated with religious or cultural beliefs
  • Examples: traditional Indian society, feudal Japan, and some African societies

Social Mobility

  • The ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the social hierarchy
  • Can be vertical (up or down) or horizontal (across)
  • Factors influencing social mobility: education, occupation, family background, and social connections
  • Types of social mobility: intragenerational (within a lifetime) and intergenerational (between generations)

Inequality

  • The unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and rewards among individuals or groups
  • Types of inequality: economic, social, political, and cultural
  • Factors contributing to inequality: discrimination, access to education, wealth, and social networks
  • Consequences of inequality: social unrest, poverty, and reduced economic growth

Status Attainment

  • The process of achieving a certain social status or position
  • Factors influencing status attainment: education, occupation, family background, and social connections
  • Theories of status attainment:
    • Functionalism: emphasizes the importance of education and socialization
    • Conflict theory: emphasizes the role of power and inequality
    • Symbolic interactionism: emphasizes the role of social interactions and relationships

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