Questions and Answers
What is stratification?
Society made up of different layers/strata that are arranged in a hierarchy.
What is social stratification?
People at the top are better than people at the bottom; they have more of something valued in society.
What are the three types of stratification systems?
Caste, Estate, Class.
What is the caste system?
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What is the estate system?
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What is the class system?
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Who described that the economic system is the most important part of society?
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Who said that our position in a stratification system is a combination of class, status, and power?
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What defines a class?
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What is income?
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What is wealth?
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What is social mobility?
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What is horizontal mobility?
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What is vertical mobility?
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What is power?
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What is socioeconomic standing?
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Study Notes
Stratification and Social Hierarchy
- Stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of society into different layers or strata.
- Social stratification suggests a hierarchy where those at the top are perceived as "better" due to possessing more valued resources.
Types of Stratification Systems
- Three primary types of social stratification systems are caste, estate, and class.
- Caste System: Individuals’ ranks are predetermined at birth, limiting mobility.
- Estate System: Land ownership defines social hierarchy; those at the top control land and lease it to lower strata.
- Class System: Allows for social mobility, permitting individuals to change positions within the hierarchy.
Key Thinkers in Stratification
- Karl Marx emphasized the economic system as the foundational aspect of society and social stratification.
- Max Weber introduced the concept that one's position in a stratification system is determined by a combination of class, status, and power.
Economic Concepts in Stratification
- Class refers to a group of individuals sharing similar income levels and power.
- Income is defined as the total earnings from wages, salaries, and investments.
- Wealth represents an individual's net worth, encompassing all assets.
Mobility within Stratification
- Social mobility indicates the potential to move between different strata within the social hierarchy.
- Horizontal mobility describes movement within the same level of stratification.
- Vertical mobility pertains to movement between different levels of the stratification system.
Power and Socioeconomic Standing
- Power is the ability to exert influence or authority over others.
- Socioeconomic standing is assessed by a combination of factors including income, wealth, education, and prestige associated with one's occupation.
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Description
Explore key concepts from Sociology Chapter 7 through these flashcards. Learn about stratification, social stratification, and the different systems such as caste, estate, and class. These definitions are essential for understanding societal hierarchies and their implications.
