Social Stratification Overview
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following defines social stratification as a hierarchy of positions?

  • Lundberg
  • Gisbert
  • Melvin M Tumin (correct)
  • Raymond W. Murray
  • According to which theorist is social stratification primarily due to inherited differences in environmental conditions?

  • Professor Sorokin (correct)
  • Davis
  • Spengler
  • Karl Marx
  • What are the major types of social stratification identified in the content?

  • Estate, Class, Caste, Slavery (correct)
  • Class, Caste, Ethnic, Gender
  • Caste, Gender, Ethnic, Slavery
  • Caste, Class, Age, Estate
  • Which theory posits that social stratification arises from the conquest of one group by another?

    <p>Gumplowicz (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is caste stratification primarily determined?

    <p>By birth into a particular group (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In modern society, class stratification is predominantly based on what factor?

    <p>Wealth accumulation and personal achievement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Spengler attribute as the foundation of social stratification?

    <p>Scarcity created by differentiation of functions and powers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theorist proposed that social stratification exists due to the functional necessity of the social system?

    <p>Davis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of social stratification as described in the content?

    <p>Stratification is universal across all societies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which principle indicates that stratification exists as a community phenomenon rather than an individual insight?

    <p>Stratification is a mass phenomenon. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What differentiates modern stratification from that of primitive societies?

    <p>The effects of stratification are more pronounced. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to social stratification?

    <p>Religion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, stratification is primarily based on which type of factors?

    <p>Educational and personal characteristics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the economic basis of slavery as presented in the content?

    <p>Slavery involves master-subject relationships. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Sorokin imply about organized groups and stratification?

    <p>All permanently organized groups are stratified. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which principle explains the global presence of stratification through generations?

    <p>The constancy of cultural beliefs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used to describe the movement from a lower to a higher social status?

    <p>Upward mobility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of social mobility involves changing jobs without altering one's social status?

    <p>Horizontal mobility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which of the following societies is the rate of social mobility considered to be low?

    <p>India (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of social mobility occurs when an individual loses their job and moves to a lower status?

    <p>Downward mobility (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT typically influence the rate of social mobility in a society?

    <p>Color of clothing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main consequence of upward mobility for an individual?

    <p>Increase in wealth and power (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly represents vertical mobility?

    <p>A peon becoming a bank officer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of social mobility involves instances of both upward and downward movement?

    <p>Vertical mobility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for changes in status that occur from one generation to another?

    <p>Inter-generational mobility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of mobility occurs within one generation?

    <p>Intra-generational mobility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of the caste system regarding social mobility?

    <p>Does not facilitate vertical social mobility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is social class described in relation to mobility?

    <p>An open system that allows for vertical mobility (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept has been discussed critically in relation to social differentiation in recent years?

    <p>Gender (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'gender' refer to in the context of social stratification?

    <p>Socially constructed roles of men and women (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which century did the term 'gender' begin to gain emphasis in social discourse?

    <p>19th century (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between caste, class, and gender?

    <p>Gender interacts within the hierarchies of caste and class (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary driving force behind individuals from shady careers seeking legitimacy?

    <p>Wanting respectability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does social stratification act as a source of social inequality?

    <p>Through the hierarchical division of society into layers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a negative outcome of social competition arising from stratification?

    <p>Social conflict (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What guarantees that every social position has a level of prestige associated with it?

    <p>Legitimately logical differences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which class in ancient India was particularly noted for enjoying a superior position?

    <p>Brahmins (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Enforces irrational differences (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of social stratification contributes to social progress according to the content?

    <p>Existence of various social levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What fundamental aspect does NOT contribute to a healthy social structure according to the features outlined?

    <p>Status differences based on irrational practices (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of social stratification?

    <p>It leads to a stable and enduring hierarchy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the relationship between different statuses in social stratification?

    <p>Statuses are inter-dependent and related. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In India, which system is primarily associated with social stratification?

    <p>Caste-based stratification. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does social stratification affect interactions among individuals?

    <p>It limits interactions defined by social norms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does social mobility refer to within the context of stratification?

    <p>The possibility of changing one's economic position. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about social values in stratification is most accurate?

    <p>Values and traditions form the basis of stratification. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common feature of caste-based stratification?

    <p>A rigid and permanent classification system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which class system is generally associated with western societies in terms of stratification?

    <p>Class-based system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Social Stratification

    The hierarchical arrangement of social groups with unequal access to resources like power, property, and social status.

    Caste System

    A social hierarchy where a person's social position is determined by birth, with limited social mobility.

    Class System

    A social hierarchy where social position is partly based on achievement and individual effort, allowing some social mobility.

    Estate System

    A social hierarchy where social groups have distinct legal rights and obligations, often with limited social mobility.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Slavery

    A social hierarchy where one group of people are owned as property by another. Complete lack of social mobility, extreme inequality.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Origin of Social Stratification - Functionalist View

    Social stratification exists because it's necessary for society to function effectively, with more important roles requiring greater rewards.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Origin of Social Stratification - Conflict View

    Social stratification arises from conflicts between different groups in society, often due to unequal access to resources and power.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Stratification based on scarcity

    Scarcity of resources and differentiation in terms of function leads to diverse social groupings

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What's the basis of stratification in the medieval estate system?

    It primarily centered on birth, with wealth and possessions playing a secondary role.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the key to understanding social stratification?

    It's a societal phenomenon, affecting the entire community, not just individuals.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is the origin of social stratification?

    It has existed since humanity's early evolution, with only minor changes over time.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Is social stratification the same everywhere?

    While it exists globally, its effects and intensity vary from place to place.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is a defining characteristic of social stratification?

    It is a pervasive system, found in every known society, regardless of its stage of development.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What differentiates modern stratification from its primitive counterparts?

    While both exist, the modern version exhibits unique features and structures.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Is social stratification based on biology?

    No, biological qualities alone do not determine social position, rather social factors like education and power matter more.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What are key factors in social stratification?

    Factors like education, property, power, experience, and character contribute more than mere biological differences.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Inter-generational mobility

    Change in social status from one generation to the next. For example, a son's social status compared to his father's.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Intra-generational mobility

    Change in social status within a single generation. For example, a family's rise or fall in social status within their lifetime.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Caste System - Mobility

    A rigid social hierarchy based on birth. Individuals are locked into their caste and cannot change their social status.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Class System - Mobility

    A more flexible social hierarchy where status is based on achievements like wealth, education, and skills. Movement between social classes is possible.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gender - Social Stratification

    A system of social differentiation based on sex. It's a powerful force that cuts across caste and class, shaping societal roles and expectations based on gender.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gender - Socially Constructed

    Gender identities and roles are not biologically determined but are shaped by societal norms, values, and cultural expectations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gender - Beyond Sex

    The concept 'gender' encompasses more than just biological sex. It includes socially constructed roles, behaviors, and identities that define masculinity and femininity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gender - Origins

    The concept of gender emerged from 19th century women's movements and Marxist thought. American feminists prioritized gender over sex to challenge biological determinism.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Mobility

    The movement of individuals or groups between different social positions in a society's hierarchy, involving changes in wealth, status, or power.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Openness of a Social Structure

    The degree to which individuals and groups can move up or down the social hierarchy, indicating the ease of social mobility.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Upward Mobility

    Moving from a lower social position to a higher one, often through education, career advancement, or financial success.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Downward Mobility

    Moving from a higher social position to a lower one, often due to job loss, financial struggles, or social decline.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Horizontal Mobility

    Moving between social groups at the same level, without changing overall social status.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Rate of Social Mobility

    The speed and frequency of social mobility in a given society, indicating how quickly individuals or groups can move between social positions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Factors Influencing Social Mobility

    Elements like education, occupation, wealth, social networks, and government policies that impact the ease or difficulty of moving through the social hierarchy.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Effect of Social Mobility on Society

    The impact of social mobility on a society's overall structure, including impacts on inequality, social cohesion, and economic development.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Higher-lower positions

    Social stratification divides society into layers with unequal access to resources, power, and prestige. Those with more privileges are considered higher, while those with fewer are considered lower.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social competition in stratification

    Social stratification creates a system where individuals from higher levels try to maintain their position while those from lower levels strive to climb higher, creating social competition.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Prestige in social positions

    Every social position and status carries a specific level of respect or prestige. This prestige should be based on merit rather than arbitrary factors like birth.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Unequal rewards in stratification

    Social stratification leads to unequal distribution of rewards, privileges, and respect among different social groups.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social inequality in stratification

    Stratification is a source of social inequality, but it's often seen as necessary for a functional society.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Stratification and social progress

    Healthy competition within the framework of stratification can drive social progress, but unhealthy competition leads to conflict and social unrest.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Prestige and shady practices

    Some individuals may strive to gain respectability for their wealth by entering legitimate fields, becoming philanthropists, and patrons of the arts to distance themselves from their past.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Legitimate class structure

    The legitimate class structure attracts individuals from less reputable backgrounds who seek to gain respectability through wealth and their children's success.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Stratification: Enduring Division

    Social stratification divides society into stable, hierarchical layers that persist over time. These layers involve unequal access to resources and power, creating a clear distinction between rich and poor.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Interdependence of Statuses

    Social stratification creates various statuses or classes within society. These statuses are interconnected, meaning changes in one status can affect others. For example, changes in social mobility can impact the statuses of individuals within different classes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Values as Foundation

    Social stratification systems are built upon a society's values and traditions. These values determine the basis of stratification, such as caste in India or class in Western societies.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Limited Social Interactions

    Stratification restricts social interactions between people from different classes or levels. While interactions occur, they are limited and defined by social norms. People within a specific class tend to have shared social styles and interact less with those outside their group.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Mobility: Chance of Change

    Despite its enduring nature, social stratification allows for some degree of mobility and change. Individuals can move between social classes, although it can be challenging. Social elites may change over time, with new members replacing old ones.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Economic Mobility within Classes

    While society is divided into classes based on economic position (rich, middle class, poor), individuals within these classes can experience changes in their financial status through factors like entrepreneurship or job changes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Is Social Stratification Permanent?

    Social stratification is a persistent feature of society, but it's not completely unchanging. It can evolve over time due to social movements, economic shifts, and other factors. While divisions might persist, the boundaries between social groups can shift.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Social Stratification: Definition

    • Social stratification is a system where society classifies people based on race, caste, creed, etc.
    • It's a system of social inequality, where people are treated differently based on social rewards (status, power, income).
    • This classification has existed throughout history and across cultures.

    Social Stratification Theories

    • Social stratification theories suggest different bases for social differences, such as power and social position.
    • These differences can stem from historical factors.
    • Social stratification leads to different rights and power among subgroups.

    Classification of Modern Stratification

    • Social stratification is a type of social inequality.
    • It ranks individuals and groups according to social positions.
    • Groups are ranked within a hierarchy with varying status.
    • Members within a layer share social identity and lifestyle.

    Types of Social Stratification

    • Caste: A hereditary, endogamous social group. Rank is determined at birth, and people are assigned specific rights and obligations. (Example: Indian caste system).
    • Class: Social stratification based on achievement, economic status. Rank can change over time based on individual achievement. (Example: Modern societies).
    • Estate: Social stratification system based on land ownership. Rank is based on birth, and people hold specific rights and obligations. (Example: Medieval Europe).
    • Slavery: A system where people are owned and considered property of others.

    Principles of Stratification

    • Stratification is a universal characteristic of all societies.
    • Stratification is a form of social inequality, based on differences/ rankings of people rather than biological factors.
    • Stratification is hierarchical, with levels of inequality.
    • Stratification has existed throughout history and in different forms.

    Social Stratification and Social Mobility

    • Social mobility refers to the movement of people within the social hierarchy.
    • Types of social mobility:
      • Vertical: Movement between different social strata (higher to lower or lower to higher).
      • Horizontal: Movement within the same social stratum.
    • Inter-generational mobility: Changes in social status from one generation to the next.
    • Intra-generational mobility: Changes in social status within a single generation.

    Functions of Social Stratification

    • Encourages hard work: Higher social standing is often linked with rewards, motivating individuals to work hard.
    • Ensures circulation of elites: Competition for higher positions ensures that the most qualified people move up the hierarchy.
    • Serves economic function: Utilizing talent and skills efficiently by offering differential rewards.
    • Prevents waste of resources: Placing individuals in positions that best utilize their skills and abilities.
    • Stabilizes/reinforces attitudes/skills: Reinforcing existing social order through maintaining, rewarding, and supporting relevant social traits.

    Social Stratification in India

    • Social stratification in Indian society is largely influenced by the caste system, despite attempts at modernization.
    • Social stratification leads to inequality and competition for higher positions.

    Gender and Social Stratification

    • Gender is a social construct, influencing social stratification and power dynamics.
    • Gender cuts across social levels (caste and class).

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Social Stratification PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the concept of social stratification, including its definitions, theories, classifications, and types. Understand how society organizes individuals based on various criteria like race, caste, and income. Test your knowledge on the social hierarchies that influence rights and power among different groups.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser