Sociology Chapter 10 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is social stratification?

Social stratification is the hierarchical ranking of members of a society.

What is the difference between a caste and social class system of social stratification?

In a caste system, social position is based on ascription (birth), and there is little to no social mobility. In a social class system, social position is based on personal effort, and social mobility is possible.

What is a meritocracy?

Meritocracy is a system of stratification based on ascription and effort.

What is social mobility?

<p>Social mobility is the movement up or down in social class position.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is structural social mobility?

<p>Structural social mobility is based on a structure, completing the structure, and then elevates. It depends on the social class system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Davis Moore thesis.

<p>The greater the functional importance of a position, the more rewards attached to that position, encouraging people to do important jobs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the major criticisms of the Davis Moore thesis?

<ol> <li>How to assess the importance of a particular occupation? 2. Do the rewards reflect the contribution someone makes? 3. Ignores social class influence on talent development 4. Over-emphasizes high-paying work 5. Ignores how social inequality promotes conflict.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How does the conflict perspective explain social stratification?

<p>It views social stratification as a division of society that benefits some and disadvantages others, reflecting resource distribution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the basic differences between Marx and Weber's concept of social stratification?

<p>Marx sees it as a reproduction of class structure, while Weber emphasizes three dimensions: class, status, and power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are blue collar and white collar occupations?

<p>Blue collar occupations involve manual, industrial, and factory work; white collar occupations involve office and business work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is SES?

<p>Socioeconomic status refers to a composite ranking based on various dimensions of social inequality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the symbolic interaction perspective explain social stratification?

<p>It suggests people's social standing shapes their interactions and consumption reflects their social position.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is conspicuous consumption?

<p>Conspicuous consumption is buying and using products for the statement they portray about one's social position.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Social Stratification

A hierarchical system that ranks individuals based on their social standing, influencing their access to resources, power, and opportunities.

Caste System

A system where social position is determined by birth, with limited mobility. Individuals are locked into their caste regardless of effort.

Social Class System

A system where social position is primarily based on individual effort and achievement, allowing for social mobility.

Meritocracy

A stratification system where individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and achievements. Both ascription and effort play a role.

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Social Mobility

Movement of individuals within the social class hierarchy. This can be upward (moving up) or downward (moving down).

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Structural Social Mobility

Changes in social mobility due to societal shifts, rather than individual achievements. It's about how the entire social class system is changing.

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Davis-Moore Thesis

The theory that more important societal roles are rewarded with greater compensation (money, prestige, etc.). This incentivizes individuals to pursue those roles.

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Criticisms of the Davis-Moore Thesis

Arguments against the Davis-Moore Thesis, questioning the validity of its assumptions. Critics point to flaws in assessing job importance and the relationship between rewards and contributions.

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Conflict Perspective on Social Stratification

A perspective that views social stratification as a mechanism that benefits certain groups at the expense of others, leading to social division and inequality.

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Marx vs. Weber on Social Stratification

Marx: Social class is inherited and maintained through generations. Wealth breeds wealth. Weber: Inequality exists on multiple dimensions (class, status, power) and stratification is multi-faceted.

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Blue Collar Occupations

Occupations that typically involve manual labor, manufacturing, and industrial work. Examples: Construction workers, plumbers, factory workers.

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White Collar Occupations

Occupations that typically involve office work, business activities, and professional roles. Examples: Accountants, managers, lawyers.

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Socioeconomic Status (SES)

A composite measure that reflects an individual's overall social standing, taking into account their wealth, education, and occupation.

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Symbolic Interaction Perspective on Social Stratification

A perspective that highlights how people's social status influences their everyday interactions and social networks. Conspicuous consumption is a major aspect of this.

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Conspicuous Consumption

The act of purchasing and displaying goods to show off one's wealth and social status.

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Study Notes

Social Stratification

  • Hierarchical ranking of individuals within a society.
  • Influences access to resources, power, and opportunities.

Caste vs. Social Class System

  • Caste system: social position based on birth (ascription); limited mobility.
  • Social class system: social position based on personal effort; allows for mobility.

Meritocracy

  • Stratification system blending ascription and effort.
  • Rewards based on individual achievements and capabilities.

Social Mobility

  • Represents individuals' movement in social class hierarchy, which can be upward or downward.

Structural Social Mobility

  • Mobility that results from societal changes affecting the structure rather than personal attributes.
  • Linked to the overall social class system in a society.

Davis-Moore Thesis

  • Proposes that more vital societal roles receive greater rewards (salary, prestige, etc.).
  • Asserts that fitting rewards encourage individuals to pursue and excel in important jobs.
  • Suggests that unequal rewards ultimately benefit society by promoting effective function.

Criticisms of the Davis-Moore Thesis

  • Difficulty in assessing occupational importance.
  • Questionable correlation between rewards and actual societal contributions.
  • Overlooks talent development influenced by social class position.
  • Places excessive emphasis on high-paying roles.
  • Neglects the role of social inequality in fostering conflict.

Conflict Perspective on Social Stratification

  • Views stratification as a division that serves the interests of certain groups at the expense of others.
  • Suggests social position mirrors resource distribution within society.

Marx vs. Weber on Social Stratification

  • Marx: Class structure is perpetuated through generations; wealth begets wealth.
  • Weber: Identifies three dimensions of inequality (class, status, power); sees stratification as multidimensional rather than simply hierarchical.

Blue Collar vs. White Collar Occupations

  • Blue collar: Involves manual, industrial, and factory work.
  • White collar: Encompasses office-based and business roles.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

  • A composite ranking reflecting disparities in wealth, education, and occupation.

Symbolic Interaction Perspective on Social Stratification

  • People's social standings influence daily interactions and social networks.
  • Consumption of products can signal one's social position to others.

Conspicuous Consumption

  • Buying and using goods to showcase social status and affluence.

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