Social Structure and Hierarchy

Social Structure

Social Hierarchy

• A system of stratification where individuals or groups are ranked according to their social status
• Typically based on factors such as wealth, power, and prestige
• Examples:
  • Caste systems (e.g. India)
  • Class systems (e.g. upper, middle, lower classes)

Social Roles

• Expectations and responsibilities associated with a particular social position
• Influenced by social norms, values, and culture
• Types of social roles:
  • Ascribed roles (e.g. family roles, gender roles)
  • Achieved roles (e.g. occupations, hobbies)

Social Inequality

• Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among individuals or groups
• Forms of social inequality:
  • Economic inequality (e.g. wealth, income)
  • Social inequality (e.g. education, healthcare)
  • Political inequality (e.g. voting rights, political representation)
• Causes of social inequality:
  • Discrimination (e.g. racism, sexism)
  • Socialization and cultural norms
  • Institutional barriers (e.g. lack of access to education)

Note: These notes provide a brief overview of the key concepts related to social structure, social hierarchy, social roles, and social inequality.

Social Structure

Social Hierarchy

• A system of stratification that ranks individuals or groups based on their social status
• Typically determined by factors such as wealth, power, and prestige
• Examples of social hierarchies include caste systems, such as those found in India, and class systems, such as the upper, middle, and lower classes

Social Roles

• Expectations and responsibilities associated with a particular social position
• Shaped by social norms, values, and culture
• There are two types of social roles:
  • Ascribed roles, which are assigned based on characteristics such as family roles, gender, and age
  • Achieved roles, which are acquired through personal efforts, such as occupations, hobbies, and educational achievements

Social Inequality

• Refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among individuals or groups
• Forms of social inequality include:
  • Economic inequality, which involves unequal distribution of wealth, income, and material resources
  • Social inequality, which involves unequal access to education, healthcare, and other social services
  • Political inequality, which involves unequal opportunities for political participation and representation
• Causes of social inequality include:
  • Discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, and ethnicity
  • Socialization and cultural norms that perpetuate inequality
  • Institutional barriers, such as lack of access to education and employment opportunities

Social Change

Social Movements

• A social movement is a collective effort to bring about or resist social change, characterized by collective action, shared identity, challenge to authority, and non-institutional operation.
• Types of social movements:
  • Reform movements: seek to improve existing systems or institutions
  • Radical movements: seek to fundamentally change or overthrow existing systems or institutions
  • Redemptive movements: seek to transform individuals or society as a whole

Civic Engagement

• Civic engagement refers to citizens' participation in the public sphere to bring about social change.
• Forms of civic engagement:
  • Voting and electoral participation
  • Activism and advocacy
  • Community organizing and volunteerism
  • Public deliberation and discussion
• Importance of civic engagement:
  • Holds elected officials accountable
  • Influences public policy and decision-making
  • Fosters a sense of community and social responsibility
  • Enhances democratic participation and representation

Social Justice

• Social justice is the principle of promoting fairness and equality in society.
• Key concepts:
  • Distributive justice: fair distribution of resources and opportunities
  • Procedural justice: fair and impartial processes and procedures
  • Retributive justice: fair punishment for wrongdoing
  • Restorative justice: repairing harm and promoting healing
• Social justice issues:
  • Racial and ethnic equality
  • Gender equality and feminism
  • Economic inequality and poverty
  • Environmental justice and sustainability
  • Human rights and dignity