Social Stratification and Its Impact

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Questions and Answers

What are the two important consequences of social stratification?

Life chances and life style (correct)

Life chances and life quality

Lifestyle and economic status

Wealth distribution and life style

How is lifestyle characterized within the context of social stratification?

As an independent variable unaffected by class

As a shared culture among all social strata

As a universal experience for all individuals

As a sub-culture differing between strata (correct)

Which principle is NOT a tenet of structural functionalism?

All structures contribute to maintaining the system

Each part of society serves a vital function

Societies consist of interrelated and interdependent parts

Society tends towards instability and chaos (correct)

What does the functionalist view assume about social structures?

They exist due to their consequences for society Signup and view all the answers

What assumption does structural functionalism make about society's tendency?

It moves towards stability and equilibrium Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of stratification in society?

It creates a hierarchy influencing social rewards. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of social stratification?

Stratification is fluid and temporary. Signup and view all the answers

Which forms of stratification are generally recognized in the modern world?

Class, caste, and estate. Signup and view all the answers

Why are social qualities deemed more important than biological qualities in a stratified society?

Social qualities reflect a person's character and abilities. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the nature of stratification?

It varies significantly among different societies. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when it is stated that stratification is universal?

No society is free from some form of stratification. Signup and view all the answers

What role does history play in understanding social stratification?

It illustrates that stratification has been present throughout human societies. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is the stratification system described as 'diverse'?

It varies with cultural, social, and economic dimensions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Conflict Theory suggest about inequality in society?

It creates a fixed system of winners and losers. Signup and view all the answers

Which components are included in the Three-Component Theory of Stratification?

Class, status, party Signup and view all the answers

In Weber's theory, how is power expressed within a community?

Through all forms of status, including social, economic, and political. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a caste system?

Rank is ascribed based on a person's birth into a specific group. Signup and view all the answers

Which description best fits the estate system or feudalism?

Emphasizes both birth and wealth as determinants of social status. Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of slavery as a form of social stratification?

It involves individuals being owned as property. Signup and view all the answers

Vertical mobility is best described as:

Change in social status that leads to a change in position. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Weber's three-component theory is distinctly different from the others?

Party relates to political power and organization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the KALAHI-CIDDS program?

To reduce poverty and promote social development Signup and view all the answers

Which group does the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) primarily target?

The poorest households Signup and view all the answers

What condition must beneficiary households meet to receive cash transfers from the 4Ps program?

Must ensure regular health check-ups and school attendance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)?

Educational grants for college students Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main purposes of PhilHealth?

To implement universal health coverage Signup and view all the answers

How does PhilHealth fund its services?

By collecting premiums from members and subsidies from the government Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of illicit financial flows (IFFs)?

They involve illegal movements of capital from one country to another Signup and view all the answers

What role do local communities play in the KALAHI-CIDDS program?

They identify their needs and participate in project planning Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of vertical mobility?

A factory worker enrolling in college and becoming an international businessman Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes horizontal mobility?

Transitioning from a paperboy to an intern at a local company Signup and view all the answers

What does inter-generational mobility refer to?

One generation achieving a better socio-economic status than the previous generation Signup and view all the answers

Intra-generational mobility occurs when:

An individual is promoted within their career over their working life Signup and view all the answers

Absolute mobility is best described as:

An individual's ability to ascend the social ladder regardless of others Signup and view all the answers

Relative mobility compares an individual's economic status to:

Those in different social classes at the same time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following illustrates a scenario of inter-generational mobility?

Parents who were factory workers and whose children become professionals Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant driver of upward mobility in individual careers?

Participating in government initiatives to address inequalities Signup and view all the answers

What defines an illicit flow of funds according to GFI?

Funds that are illegally earned, transferred, and utilized. Signup and view all the answers

In a progressive income tax system, who bears a larger share of the income tax burden?

Higher-income individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a wealth tax?

It includes reducing assets by liabilities like mortgages. Signup and view all the answers

What does a living wage allow individuals or families to afford?

Adequate shelter, food, and basic necessities. Signup and view all the answers

What right do most non-governmental workers have regarding job organization?

The right to organize on the job. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a sweatshop in terms of labor conditions?

A factory that violates labor laws and has unsafe conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What does an open and democratic trade policy aim to do?

Facilitate the exchange of goods with minimal barriers. Signup and view all the answers

How is a 'new economy' characterized?

By new, high-growth industries at the forefront of technology. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stratification

Stratification is a hierarchy of positions related to economic production.
This hierarchy influences social rewards tied to those positions.
A stratified society is one with divisions of social classes.

Stratification is universal; no society is entirely free of it.
Stratification is social; factors like education, property, power, experience, and personality are more significant than biological attributes.
Stratification exists in diverse forms; examples include class, caste, and estate systems.
Stratification is ancient; it's been present even in early, simple societies.
Social stratification has consequences, impacting "life chances" and lifestyles.

Functionalist View of Stratification (Davis-Moore Thesis)

Society's parts exist because they perform vital functions for societal stability.
Societies are complex systems, with interconnected, interdependent parts.
Stratification systems motivate individuals with the right skills to pursue important roles, ultimately maintaining social structure and stability.
Talented and proficient individuals are scarce and thus require rewards to encourage them to occupy important positions.

Conflict View of Stratification

In capitalist economic systems, wealth is unequally distributed, enriching the powerful, who perpetuate the unfair advantages of the system.
Those at the bottom of the stratification system have fewer opportunities for improvement because of the prevailing system of unequal political and economic power.
People have different views about the stratification system.
Some believe that the system may be unfair due to misattributed achievements of dominant groups.
The conflict theory view suggests that inequalities are a problem in society.
Friedrich Engels compared family structure to the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat and suggested that in the absence of equal pay, women's power is relatively decreased.

Three-Component Theory of Stratification (Max Weber)

Class, status, and party—each independent dimensions of power and social standing—are factors in social stratification.
The three dimensions interact to reflect the interplay among wealth, prestige, and power.
Power can be exhibited in social, economic, and political contexts through status, class, and party, respectively.

Caste: A hereditary, endogamous social group, where rank and accompanying rights and obligations are determined by birth.
Estate: A hierarchical social system prevalent in medieval Europe, emphasizing privileged social standings and land ownership.
Slavery: The most detrimental form of legalized social inequality, where individuals are considered property.
Class system: A social ranking based on achieved characteristics, like economic status and education, influencing social mobility.

Vertical mobility: Changing social status or position, often resulting from altered income, education, or professional experience.
Horizontal mobility: Changing social groups without a notable vertical transition (e.g., transitioning jobs while staying at the same socioeconomic level).
Intergenerational mobility: Describes change in socioeconomic status from one generation to the next (e.g., children achieving higher socioeconomic statuses than their parents).
Intra-generational mobility: Describes status change during a person's lifespan (e.g., a person becoming more economically affluent during their working period).
Absolute mobility: Changes in living standards across society.
Relative mobility: Comparing status movement of individuals in comparison to others in similar circumstances.

Government Programs for Inequality Reduction

KALAHI-CIDDS: A poverty alleviation program that focuses on community-driven development.
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps): A conditional cash transfer program aimed at improving the health, nutrition, and education of children.
Philhealth: A health insurance program designed to provide universal health coverage.

Ways To Reduce Global Inequality

Stop Illicit Outflows (IFFs): Halt illegal movements of money or capital across borders.
Implementing Progressive Income Tax: Systems that charge higher tax rates for those earning more income.
Global Wealth Tax: A tax on the total market value of personal assets (used to target wealthy individuals).
Enforce a Living Wage: Implement standards that guarantee sufficient income for basic needs.
Workers' Right to Organize: Acknowledge the right of the workforce to form unions or other organizations to address job conditions.
Stop other labor abuses: Policies to prevent mistreatment of employees (e.g., unsafe working environments, child labor, low wages, etc.).
Open and Democratic Trade Policy: Agreements that reduce barriers between nations for import/export transactions.
New Economics: Efforts to foster new, high-growth industries employing innovative technology.

Quotes

"You never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them" – Atticus Finch

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Description

Explore the key concepts and theories related to social stratification with this comprehensive quiz. Examine the consequences, characteristics, and implications of stratification in society, as well as contrasting viewpoints such as Conflict Theory and structural functionalism. Test your understanding of these critical sociological ideas.