Sociology Chapter 7 Quiz: Social Class Theories

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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?

Social honor people are given because of their membership in well-regarded social groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the caste system?

Based on ascription or birth (Closed System) Signup and view all the answers

What is a closed system?

Birth alone determines someone's entire future with little or no social mobility based on individual effort Signup and view all the answers

What is endogamy?

Marry within the group or class you're born into Signup and view all the answers

What are social class systems based on?

More open than caste systems; based on both birth and individual achievements Signup and view all the answers

What determines the social class a person belongs to?

Money, lifestyle, looks, mannerisms, family, food choices Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the real upper class, old money or new money?

Old money Signup and view all the answers

What theory supports that old money is more upper class than new money?

Postmodern theory by Pierre Bourdieu Signup and view all the answers

According to Karl Marx, what are the two main social classes in capitalist society?

Capitalists and Workers (upper class and working class) Signup and view all the answers

Who are the capitalists?

Also known as Bourgeoisie, they owned the means of production Signup and view all the answers

Who are the workers?

Also known as proletariat, who sold their labor for wages Signup and view all the answers

What is the solution for society according to conflict theory?

Praxis - meaning change the world and come up with a new system Signup and view all the answers

What does Weberian theory include alongside economic factors?

Cultural factors Signup and view all the answers

According to Max Weber, what are the three components of social class?

Wealth, power, prestige Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of having wealth but lacking respect in society.

A truck driver makes a lot of money, but does not have respect with other people Signup and view all the answers

What does structural-functional theory suggest about the system of stratification?

It is functional to society through jobs Signup and view all the answers

Why is the system of stratification functional to society according to structural-functionalism theory?

Certain roles are more important for the functioning of society and these roles may be more difficult to fill, so more incentive is needed Signup and view all the answers

What is a critique of structural-functionalism theory?

It underestimates a person's determination to do something Signup and view all the answers

What does postmodern theory explain about social class?

The tendency for social class status to be passed down from one generation to the next Signup and view all the answers

What are some ways status is passed down according to postmodern theory?

Culture, Capital (Economy, Cultural, Social), Habitus, Physical attributes, Personality Signup and view all the answers

Why does the postmodern theory occur?

Each generation of class acquirers cultural capital Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Refers to the hierarchical categorization of people within a society.
Determined by factors such as race, class, gender, and age.

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.

More fluid than caste systems and based on both birth and personal achievements.

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.

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.