Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of stratification system is based on cultural or racial differences for ascribing status?
Which type of stratification system is based on cultural or racial differences for ascribing status?
- Caste system (correct)
- Closed system
- Estate system
- Slavery system
In the Indian caste system, which group is allocated the highest status and considered superior to all others in the hierarchy?
In the Indian caste system, which group is allocated the highest status and considered superior to all others in the hierarchy?
- Vaishya
- Brahmin (correct)
- Kshatriya
- Shudra
What characterizes the caste system as a rigid system?
What characterizes the caste system as a rigid system?
- Membership determined by birth and unchanging (correct)
- Flexibility in boundaries between classes
- Opportunity for individuals to move up or down the class scale
- Social mobility based on economic criteria
Which group falls outside of the Indian caste system altogether?
Which group falls outside of the Indian caste system altogether?
What form of stratification system is reinforced by beliefs about racial inferiority?
What form of stratification system is reinforced by beliefs about racial inferiority?
What is the most sociologically significant influence on an individual in a society?
What is the most sociologically significant influence on an individual in a society?
How does social inequality affect an individual's life?
How does social inequality affect an individual's life?
What did Karl Marx emphasize in relation to social demands and social inequality?
What did Karl Marx emphasize in relation to social demands and social inequality?
How is social stratification defined in the text?
How is social stratification defined in the text?
Which aspect of an individual's life is influenced by their social status according to the text?
Which aspect of an individual's life is influenced by their social status according to the text?
What are some dimensions of social stratification mentioned in the text?
What are some dimensions of social stratification mentioned in the text?
What happens when social inequality becomes patterned and institutionalized?
What happens when social inequality becomes patterned and institutionalized?
'A house can be large or small; as long as the surrounding houses are equally small it satisfies all social demands.' - Who made this statement mentioned in the text?
'A house can be large or small; as long as the surrounding houses are equally small it satisfies all social demands.' - Who made this statement mentioned in the text?
'Our class background affects where we live, what we eat, what we value...' - What aspect of an individual's life does class background influence according to the text?
'Our class background affects where we live, what we eat, what we value...' - What aspect of an individual's life does class background influence according to the text?
How does social stratification impact opportunities and influence according to the text?
How does social stratification impact opportunities and influence according to the text?
What is the primary factor that defines social classes according to Marx?
What is the primary factor that defines social classes according to Marx?
In modern industrial societies, what is a key requirement for filling specialized positions?
In modern industrial societies, what is a key requirement for filling specialized positions?
How are status symbols typically achieved in society?
How are status symbols typically achieved in society?
Which of the following is NOT a common indicator of social class according to the text?
Which of the following is NOT a common indicator of social class according to the text?
What type of activities and possessions serve as symbolic indicators of social class?
What type of activities and possessions serve as symbolic indicators of social class?
How are upper-class people distinguished in terms of recreational activities according to the text?
How are upper-class people distinguished in terms of recreational activities according to the text?
Which aspect of daily life indicates social class through activities and possessions?
Which aspect of daily life indicates social class through activities and possessions?
How do people typically associate with others in Western society based on social classes?
How do people typically associate with others in Western society based on social classes?
'Assignment' or 'ascription' plays a role in determining which aspect of social status?
'Assignment' or 'ascription' plays a role in determining which aspect of social status?
What term borrowed from earth sciences conveys the fact that society is made up of social layers arranged in hierarchy?
What term borrowed from earth sciences conveys the fact that society is made up of social layers arranged in hierarchy?
According to Max Weber, which dimension includes political influence and the ability to get one's way despite resistance from others?
According to Max Weber, which dimension includes political influence and the ability to get one's way despite resistance from others?
Which principle of social stratification states that inequality persists over generations?
Which principle of social stratification states that inequality persists over generations?
What did Max Weber associate with class, referring to 'life chances' to earn wealth and material possessions?
What did Max Weber associate with class, referring to 'life chances' to earn wealth and material possessions?
Which social stratification dimension refers to the respect or recognition a person receives from others?
Which social stratification dimension refers to the respect or recognition a person receives from others?
In which type of system are boundaries clearly demarcated in social stratification?
In which type of system are boundaries clearly demarcated in social stratification?
What refers to the ability of individuals to change their social status during their lifetimes?
What refers to the ability of individuals to change their social status during their lifetimes?
What does power usually increase according to the text?
What does power usually increase according to the text?
'Strata' refers to what in the context of social stratification?
'Strata' refers to what in the context of social stratification?
Which term is used to represent the uneven or unequal distribution of socially desirable things in life?
Which term is used to represent the uneven or unequal distribution of socially desirable things in life?
Study Notes
Class System and Social Stratification
- The class system is defined as the division of people in society by their relationship to the means of production, with those who own a large portion of society's wealth holding power.
Definition of Social Stratification
- Social stratification refers to the presence of distinct social groups ranked one above the other in terms of factors such as prestige and wealth.
- Stratification systems vary in the number of ranked groups, the degree of agreement regarding their hierarchical placement, the size of the strata, and the ability of individuals to move within strata.
Dimensions of Social Stratification
- Max Weber proposed three independent dimensions on which people could be ranked:
- Property, Income, and Wealth
- Power (political influence and personal and official authority)
- Prestige (respect or recognition a person receives from others)
Principles of Social Stratification
- Social stratification is a characteristic of society, not simply a reflection of individual differences.
- Social stratification persists over generations.
- Social stratification is universal but variable, found everywhere, but what is unequal and how unequal it is vary from one society to another.
Types of Stratification Systems
- Closed System of Stratification: a rigid system with clearly demarcated boundaries, e.g., the caste system in India.
- Open System of Stratification: based primarily on economic criteria, particularly income, with social position achieved through one's effort, e.g., modern industrial society.
Historical Examples of Stratification Systems
- Slavery: a system where some human beings are treated as items of property, e.g., in the Caribbean and southern United States.
- Caste System: a stratification system where cultural or racial differences are used as the basis for ascribing status, e.g., in India.
- Estate System: also known as feudalism, existed in Medieval Europe, where law and inheritance determine one's social position.
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Description
This quiz covers the objectives of social stratification such as defining the term, explaining dimensions, identifying principles, describing types, discussing social class impact, and exploring theoretical perspectives. The introduction includes a quote by Karl Marx about societal demands. Test your knowledge on this sociological concept!
