33 Questions
According to Davis and Moore, what determines the importance of positions in society and the rewards attached to them?
The importance of positions in society and the rewards attached to them are determined by the functional importance of the position and the scarcity of talent or extensive training required.
What is the argument for the unequal distribution of resources and higher pay according to Davis and Moore?
The argument is that the unequal distribution of resources and higher pay serves as a motivation for individuals to work harder and longer, especially for positions requiring costly and extensive training.
According to Tumin, what are the predictors of success in society?
Tumin believes that gender and class are better predictors of success in society, suggesting that ability alone does not guarantee success.
What is the concept of a meritocracy according to Davis and Moore?
According to Davis and Moore, a meritocracy is a society where individuals are judged based on their individual abilities rather than family connections, and where ability determines prestige.
How does the example of Ovechkin and the Prime Minister illustrate the principles of Social Stratification according to Tumin?
The example illustrates that economic rewards and prestige are not the only factors used to encourage entry into critical positions, as personal pleasure and intrinsic satisfaction also play a role. It also highlights that economic reward and prestige do not always align with the importance of a position to the functioning of society.
What is the overall effect of a system with unequal rewards according to Davis and Moore?
The overall effect of a system with unequal rewards is that it leads to a more productive system, as individuals are motivated to work harder and longer in pursuit of higher rewards.
According to Davis and Moore, what is the role of external motivators in decision making for individuals entering critical positions in society?
Davis and Moore argue that humans are not often intrinsically motivated, and external motivators such as higher pay and rewards play a significant role in individuals' decision making to enter critical positions in society.
How does the symbolic interactionist perspective, specifically George Mead's ideas, play a role in the discussion of success in society?
The symbolic interactionist perspective, influenced by George Mead's ideas, emphasizes the role of social interactions, symbols, and meanings in shaping individuals' perceptions of success and their behaviors within society.
According to Durkheim, what does society attach more reward to?
Durkheim argues that society attaches more reward to positions of greater functional importance, such as those requiring extensive training and scarce talent, as they are crucial for the functioning of society.
What alternative factors, according to Tumin, are used to encourage people to enter critical positions apart from economic rewards and prestige?
Apart from economic rewards and prestige, Tumin suggests that personal pleasure and intrinsic satisfaction are alternative factors used to encourage people to enter critical positions in society.
Match the following sociologists with their views on the importance of position and rewards in society:
Durkheim = Society attaching more reward to positions of greater functional importance Davis and Moore = Unequal distribution of resources as motivation for working harder and longer Tumin = Importance of position not always determined by high salary or level of prestige George Mead = Belief that ability is not equal to success
Match the following concepts with their proponents' views:
Meritocracy = Society judged on individual abilities rather than family connection (Davis and Moore) Intrinsic motivation = Role in decision-making for individuals entering critical positions (Davis and Moore) Symbolic interactionist perspective = George Mead's influence on the discussion of success in society External motivators = Play a huge role in decision-making for individuals entering critical positions (Davis and Moore)
Match the following examples with the sociologists' views:
Doctors and dentists = Positions that must be filled by the most qualified people (Davis and Moore) Ovechkin and the Prime Minister = Illustration of the principles of social stratification according to Tumin Economic rewards and prestige = Not the only means used to encourage people to enter critical positions (Tumin) Playing hockey and being a Prime Minister = Comparison of rewards received for positions of different importance (Davis and Moore)
Ted Rogers credited his success to a willingness to take risks, work hard, bend rules, be on the constant lookout for opportunities, and be dedicated to building businesses.
True
Ted Rogers' grandfather, Albert Rogers, was a director of Imperial Oil (Esso).
True
Ted Rogers' father, Ted Sr., became wealthy when he invented an alternating current vacuum tube for radios in 1925.
True
Aboriginal inmates in Canada are routinely classified as lower risk and lower need
False
The incarceration rate for Aboriginal people in 2010-2011 was 5 times higher than for the non-Aboriginal population
False
Social stratification assigns people to socioeconomic strata based on wealth, income, race, education, and power
True
Closed systems have rigid boundaries and ascribed status, like slavery and India’s caste system.
True
Intergenerational mobility is movement between generations, while intragenerational mobility occurs within a lifetime.
True
The Atlantic Slave Trade led to the subjugation of African people, impacting race relations in America.
True
The functionalist perspective views inequality as inevitable and necessary for the proper functioning of society, as individuals identify with the larger social structure.
True
What did Ted Rogers credit for his success?
Willingness to take risks, work hard, bend rules, and be on the constant lookout for opportunities
What did Ted Rogers do to make money while at Upper Canada College?
Acted as a bookie, taking bets on horse racing from other students
What did Ted Rogers' grandfather and father do that contributed to the family's wealth?
His grandfather was a director of Imperial Oil and his father invented a vacuum tube for radios
What was the incarceration rate for Aboriginal people in 2010-2011 compared to the non-Aboriginal population?
5 times higher
What are some factors linked to the high rate of Aboriginal incarceration in Canada?
Systemic discrimination and economic disadvantage
What does social stratification determine?
Who gets what, when, and why in society
What distinguishes closed systems from open systems in social stratification?
Closed systems have rigid boundaries and ascribed status, while open systems allow for social mobility influenced by achieved status
What is the primary impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade on race relations in America?
It led to the subjugation of African people, impacting race relations in America
What is the defining characteristic of caste systems like those in India and South Africa?
They determine occupation, social life, marriage, and belief systems
What is the primary influence on social stratification today?
Gender, race, religion, ability, birth, wealth, and geographical location
Study Notes
Social Stratification and Inequality in Society
- Closed systems have rigid boundaries and ascribed status, like slavery and India’s caste system.
- Open systems allow for flexibility and social mobility, influenced by achieved status, like the class system.
- Intergenerational mobility is movement between generations, while intragenerational mobility occurs within a lifetime.
- Slavery, the most extreme form of social stratification, developed from the division of labor and agriculture.
- The Atlantic Slave Trade led to the subjugation of African people, impacting race relations in America.
- Slavery still exists today in various forms, affecting millions, especially women and children.
- Caste systems, like those in India and South Africa, determine occupation, social life, marriage, and belief systems.
- Class systems are more open, with vaguely defined boundaries and opportunities for social mobility.
- Horizontal mobility involves changes in position and income without altering class structure.
- Social stratification today is influenced by gender, race, religion, ability, birth, wealth, and geographical location.
- The legacy of Marx and Weber's conflict theory highlights inequality, class, status, and power as sources of conflict and social inequality.
- The functionalist perspective views inequality as inevitable and necessary for the proper functioning of society, as individuals identify with the larger social structure.
Social Stratification and Inequality in Society
- Closed systems have rigid boundaries and ascribed status, like slavery and India’s caste system.
- Open systems allow for flexibility and social mobility, influenced by achieved status, like the class system.
- Intergenerational mobility is movement between generations, while intragenerational mobility occurs within a lifetime.
- Slavery, the most extreme form of social stratification, developed from the division of labor and agriculture.
- The Atlantic Slave Trade led to the subjugation of African people, impacting race relations in America.
- Slavery still exists today in various forms, affecting millions, especially women and children.
- Caste systems, like those in India and South Africa, determine occupation, social life, marriage, and belief systems.
- Class systems are more open, with vaguely defined boundaries and opportunities for social mobility.
- Horizontal mobility involves changes in position and income without altering class structure.
- Social stratification today is influenced by gender, race, religion, ability, birth, wealth, and geographical location.
- The legacy of Marx and Weber's conflict theory highlights inequality, class, status, and power as sources of conflict and social inequality.
- The functionalist perspective views inequality as inevitable and necessary for the proper functioning of society, as individuals identify with the larger social structure.
Test your knowledge of social stratification with this quiz on closed and open systems. Explore the concepts of ascribed and achieved status and understand the differences between rigid and flexible social structures.
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