Questions and Answers
What is social stratification?
Categories of people in hierarchy
What determines social stratification?
Race, Class, Gender, and Age
What is social inequality?
Unequal distribution of wealth, power, or prestige among members of a society
What is prestige?
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What is the caste system?
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What is a closed system?
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What is endogamy?
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What are social class systems based on?
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What determines the social class a person belongs to?
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Who is considered the real upper class, old money or new money?
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What theory supports that old money is more upper class than new money?
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According to Karl Marx, what are the two main social classes in capitalist society?
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Who are the capitalists?
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Who are the workers?
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What is the solution for society according to conflict theory?
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What does Weberian theory include alongside economic factors?
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According to Max Weber, what are the three components of social class?
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Provide an example of having wealth but lacking respect in society.
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What does structural-functional theory suggest about the system of stratification?
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Why is the system of stratification functional to society according to structural-functionalism theory?
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What is a critique of structural-functionalism theory?
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What does postmodern theory explain about social class?
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What are some ways status is passed down according to postmodern theory?
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Why does the postmodern theory occur?
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Study Notes
Social Stratification
- Refers to the hierarchical categorization of people within a society.
- Determined by factors such as race, class, gender, and age.
Social Inequality
- Represents the uneven distribution of wealth, power, or prestige among societal members.
Prestige
- Social honor bestowed upon individuals due to their association with reputable social groups.
Caste System
- A closed social structure based on ascribed status at birth, limiting social mobility.
Closed System
- Individuals' futures are predetermined by birth, minimizing mobility based on personal effort.
Endogamy
- The practice of marrying within one’s own social group or class.
Social Class Systems
- More fluid than caste systems and based on both birth and personal achievements.
Determinants of Social Class
- Factors influencing social class include wealth, lifestyle, appearance, mannerisms, family background, and consumption choices.
Upper Class Distinction
- Old money represents genuine upper class status due to discretion and etiquette, unlike new money, which often flaunts wealth.
Theoretical Support for Class Distinction
- Pierre Bourdieu's postmodern theory supports the notion that old money possesses a higher social class standing than new money.
Conflict Theory Overview
- Proposed by Karl Marx, highlighting the existence of two primary classes in capitalist societies: capitalists (bourgeoisie) and workers (proletariat).
Capitalists and Workers
- Capitalists own production means while workers sell their labor for wages, creating a fundamental class conflict.
Solution to Class Conflict
- Praxis is emphasized as a means to transform society and establish a new system.
Weberian Theory
- Max Weber expanded on Marx’s conflict theory, introducing cultural dimensions alongside economic factors in class analysis.
Components of Social Class (Weber)
- Class determined by three interconnected factors: wealth, power, and prestige.
Example of Weberian Theory
- A truck driver may earn significant income but lack social respect or prestige within society.
Structural-Functional Theory
- Argues that stratification serves a functional role by aligning roles in society with requisite incentives for fulfilling important jobs.
Functionality of Stratification
- Essential roles require higher rewards due to the complexity and skill required, thus influencing social hierarchy.
Limitations of Structural-Functionalism
- Underplays individuals' intrinsic motivation, as some may pursue less lucrative careers out of passion.
Postmodern Theory
- Suggests social class status and resources are often inherited across generations.
Mechanisms of Status Transmission (Postmodern Theory)
- Cultural influences, economic capital, cultural habits, social networks, physical health, and personality traits play roles in perpetuating class status.
Cultural Capital Acquisition
- Each generation inherits cultural capital, shaping tastes, behaviors, and skills that reinforce class distinctions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on social class and theories with this quiz based on Chapter 7. Explore key concepts such as social stratification, social inequality, and the factors determining these hierarchies. Perfect for sociology students looking to deepen their understanding of social structures.