Social Stratification and Mobility Quiz

Social Stratification

• Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups within a society based on factors like wealth, occupation, social status, and power.
• Three primary social classes are typically recognized: upper class, middle class, and lower class, with further subdivisions possible within each.
• Social desirables, such as prestige, power, and wealth, are fundamental to understanding social stratification.
• Karl Marx viewed social class through the lens of wealth and its relation to ownership of production means.
• Max Weber expanded on this by identifying three key dimensions of social class: wealth, power, and prestige.

Social Mobility

• Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups within or between social classes.
• Horizontal mobility involves a change in occupation without altering overall social standing.
• Vertical mobility signifies a change in social position due to shifts in occupation, politics, or religion.
• Upward mobility refers to moving from a lower to a higher social position within the same societal group.
• Downward mobility involves a decline in social position, often due to wrongful acts or loss of position.
• Inter-generational mobility refers to changes in social position across generations.
• Intra-generational mobility occurs within a single generation, encompassing career advancements or shifts in position between siblings.

Social Inequalities

• Social inequality refers to social processes that limit or disadvantage certain groups based on factors like social status, class, and social circles.
• Key examples of social inequality include gender inequality, healthcare disparity, and social class-based inequalities.
• Gender inequality addresses disparities in access to opportunities, rights, and resources based on gender. The Philippines has taken steps to address this through legislation.
• Health care inequality manifests in disparities in access to quality healthcare and affordability. Those with greater resources often enjoy better healthcare experiences.
• Wealth and poverty inequality contribute significantly to social inequalities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted existing inequalities between the upper class and lower classes.
• Educational attainment inequality arises from uneven distribution of academic resources. This can be addressed through policies fostering merit-based access to education, regardless of gender or social background.

Factors Contributing to Social Inequality

• Educational Attainment: Inadequate access to quality education can hinder social mobility for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Policies encouraging merit-based access to education are crucial for addressing this disparity.
• Wealth and Poverty: The unequal distribution of wealth creates significant social divides. During crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, wealthier individuals often enjoy greater economic security compared to lower-income groups.
• Gender Inequality: Social constructs and biases contribute to gender inequality. It's critical to recognize the influence of social factors on individual experiences and work towards eliminating discriminatory practices.

Test your understanding of social stratification and mobility. This quiz covers key concepts such as social classes, mobility types, and the theories of Karl Marx and Max Weber. Explore how wealth, power, and prestige shape societal structures.