Social Stratification and Inequality

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