Social Stratification Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary basis for determining social class?

Social roles

Geographical location

Economic background (correct)

Cultural background

Which of the following systems of stratification allows for little mobility between categories?

Open system

Meritocratic system

Social mobility system

Closed system (correct)

Which element of social desirables refers to respect and admiration given by society?

Power

Wealth

Status

Prestige (correct)

Which group is characterized by having control over the means of production, according to social stratification concepts?

Bourgeoisie Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of power includes the ability to command others despite their resistance?

Coercive power Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of stratification systems emphasizes academic credentials?

Meritocracy Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of the proletariat in social stratification?

They are the working class. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of social stratification, which of the following is considered a material asset?

Stocks and investments Signup and view all the answers

What does racism justify?

The superiority of a racial or ethnic group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is identified as ethnic minorities in the Philippines?

Indigenous groups Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)?

They find it difficult to gain employment in certain industries Signup and view all the answers

How do elderly individuals typically experience challenges in society?

They frequently find it difficult to meet their needs without assistance Signup and view all the answers

What is a common experience of communities living in isolated areas?

They are often denied basic services like clean water Signup and view all the answers

What might characterize the treatment of certain religious groups in society?

They experience stigma and isolation Signup and view all the answers

What is an expected consequence of late submission of a project?

Deduction of points for each member per day Signup and view all the answers

What is required from each member in the advocacy project video?

Their participation should be visible in the video Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Oprah Winfrey's story in terms of social mobility?

Intragenerational mobility Signup and view all the answers

Which type of poverty refers to the lack of essential resources like food and clean water?

Absolute Poverty Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary indicator of inequality?

Unequal distribution of social desirables Signup and view all the answers

How is gender inequality defined?

Power imbalances and unequal access to resources Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes how an individual evaluates their income relative to personal expectations?

Subjective Poverty Signup and view all the answers

What defines the term 'gender role'?

Tasks and behaviors expected based on sex Signup and view all the answers

What best describes ethnic minorities?

Groups differing in race or cultural origin from the dominant society Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of relative poverty?

Comparison of living standards with others in society Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups in society based on their access to resources, power, and prestige.

Systems of Stratification

Closed System: Rigid, individuals have little or no opportunity for social mobility.
- Example: The French Estates System during the Ancient Régime, where people were divided into clergy, nobility, and commoners with limited interaction.
Open System: More flexible, allowing individuals to move between social positions based on merit, effort, and skills.
- Example: Meritocracy emphasizes academic credentials as a measure of merit, providing opportunities for upward mobility.

One's position in society.
Determined by factors like economic background, occupation, education, and social connections.

Sets of behaviors assigned to individuals based on their social status.

The bases of social stratification, contributing to higher social status.
Wealth: Material assets, money, and investments.
Prestige: Respect and admiration given by society.
Power: Ability to command others, despite resistance.

Davis-Moore Hypothesis

Argues that social stratification is necessary for a society to function effectively.
It incentivizes individuals to strive for more desirable positions, ensuring optimal talent allocation.

Intragenerational Mobility: Movement within a person's lifetime between social positions.
Intergenerational Mobility: Movement between social positions across generations.

Inequality

Indicators of Inequality:
- Unequal distribution of social desirables.
- Unequal opportunities.

Poverty

Absolute Poverty: Lack of basic resources like food, water, shelter, and healthcare, essential for maintaining a quality lifestyle.
Relative Poverty: Individuals have basic necessities but cannot maintain the average standard of living compared to the rest of society.
Subjective Poverty: Defined by an individual's perception of their actual income against their expectations and perceptions.

Gender Inequality: Power imbalances between men and women, with unequal opportunities and resources.
- Sex: Biological differences between males and females.
- Gender: Culturally constructed characteristics associated with masculinity and femininity.
- Gender Roles: Specific tasks and behaviors expected of individuals based on their sex.
- Gender Identity: How a person identifies themselves as belonging to a particular gender.
Ethnic Minorities: Groups differing in race, color, national, religious, or cultural origin from the dominant group, facing discrimination and inequality.
- Race: Group of people sharing a common ancestry.
- Racism: Attitudes, beliefs, and practices justifying superior treatment of one racial group and inferior treatment of another.
Other Minorities: Persons with disabilities, elderly, certain religious groups, and isolated communities facing unequal access to resources and opportunities.

Global Inequality

Disparities in wealth, income, and access to resources between different countries.
Developed countries often have more resources and opportunities compared to developing countries.

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Description

This quiz covers the concept of social stratification, exploring its systems, social status, roles, and desirables. You will learn about closed and open systems of stratification and how they impact individuals' social mobility. Test your understanding of these fundamental sociological concepts.