Sociology Chapter 8 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is social stratification?

The structuring of inequalities between groups in society (correct)

An educational framework

A social movement for equality

A type of economic system

Define structured inequalities.

Social inequalities that result from patterns in the social structure

What is slavery?

A form of social stratification where some people are owned by others as property

What characterizes a caste system?

A social system in which one's social status is held for life Signup and view all the answers

What are class systems?

A system of social hierarchy allowing movement between classes Signup and view all the answers

How do sociologists typically define class?

Socioeconomic variations in material prosperity and power Signup and view all the answers

What is income?

Money received from paid wages and salaries or earned from investments Signup and view all the answers

Define wealth.

Money and material possessions held by an individual or group Signup and view all the answers

List three shared characteristics of socially stratified systems.

Wealth, income, education, and lifestyle Signup and view all the answers

Provide two examples of caste systems in the world today.

Dalit caste, Indian subcontinent and Hindu belief Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a class system and a caste system?

Caste is by birth only; class is by birth and individual achievement Signup and view all the answers

Name two non-economic indicators of one's social class.

Occupation and education Signup and view all the answers

What are means of production according to Karl Marx?

Means whereby the production of material goods is carried on in a society Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Max Weber introduce related to social class?

Status Signup and view all the answers

What do contradictory class locations refer to?

Positions in class structures that share characteristics with classes above and below them Signup and view all the answers

What do Davis and Moore suggest about social roles?

Rewards need to be offered for those who are highly skilled Signup and view all the answers

What is Melvin Tumin known for?

Highlighting that the importance of roles is difficult to measure Signup and view all the answers

How do middle-class and working-class parenting behaviors differ according to Lareau?

Middle-class parents encourage extracurricular activities, while working-class parents suggest going outside to play Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the upper class?

Affluent members of society, often with inherited wealth or business ownership Signup and view all the answers

Define the middle class.

Social class composed of those working in white-collar and lower managerial occupations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Refers to the structured inequalities in access to rewards and resources among groups.
Class divisions are the most notable form of stratification in modern societies.
Inequalities became pronounced with the emergence of state-based systems.

Structured Inequalities

Result from established patterns within the social structure of a society.

Slavery

A type of social stratification where individuals are considered property of others.

Caste System

A social order where one's social status is fixed for life, often determined by birth.

Class Systems

Allow for mobility between social classes.
Bases for class distinction include wealth ownership, occupation, income, and education.

Concept of Class

Commonly used in sociology but lacks a singular definition.
Generally refers to socioeconomic variations reflecting material prosperity and power.

Income

Refers to money received from employment (wages, salaries) or investments.

Wealth

Comprises money and material possessions an individual or group owns.

Shared characteristics include wealth, income, education, and lifestyle.

Examples of Caste Systems

Delit caste in the Indian subcontinent and Hindu belief system.

Class vs. Caste Systems

Class systems allow for upward and downward mobility based on achievement, while caste systems are ascribed by birth.

Occupation and education serve as significant indicators of an individual's social class.

Karl Marx's Perspective

Means of production encompass technology and social relations among producers.
Class relationships are exploitative, with workers generating surplus value for capitalists.

Max Weber's Perspective

Class divisions arise from economic control as well as non-economic factors like skills.
Status refers to the social honor accorded to particular groups, influencing lifestyles and behaviors.
Pariah groups face negative status discrimination.

Erik Olin Wright's Theory

Identifies three dimensions of economic resource control in capitalist societies:
- Control over investments and capital.
- Control over production means (e.g., land, factories).
- Control over labor power.
Contradictory class locations exist for individuals in routine white-collar and lower managerial positions.

Davis and Moore's Theory

Suggests that incentives are necessary to motivate individuals in highly skilled professions.

Melvin Tumin's Critique

Challenges the measurement of the importance of various roles in society and points out discrepancies in social rewards.

Lareau's Observations on Parenting

Middle-class parents encourage structured extracurricular activities, while working-class parents tend to allow more free play.

Upper Class

Consists of affluent individuals, often with inherited wealth and significant assets.

Middle Class

Comprises individuals engaged in white-collar and lower managerial jobs.

Upper Middle Class

Specifically includes highly educated professionals, generally distinguished by higher income levels.

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Test your knowledge on the key concepts of social stratification and structured inequalities with these flashcards from Sociology Chapter 8. Understand the different forms of inequality and their implications within society. Perfect for revision or quick learning!