Questions and Answers
What is social stratification?
It is the creation of layers (or strata) of people who possess unequal shares of scarce resources, particularly income, wealth, power, and prestige.
What is the difference between income and wealth?
Your income is your paycheck and your wealth is what you own.
Name the three dimensions of social stratification.
Wealth, power, prestige.
How is social stratification related to social class?
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How is the distribution of economic resources related to social class?
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How can power be exercised without wealth?
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How is prestige awarded?
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Study Notes
Social Stratification
- Social stratification creates layers of people with unequal access to resources such as income, wealth, power, and prestige.
- It involves distinct strata reflecting economic disparities within a society.
Income vs. Wealth
- Income refers to earnings, typically from wages or salaries, while wealth encompasses total assets owned, including property and investments.
Dimensions of Social Stratification
- Three key dimensions include:
- Wealth: Financial assets and resources.
- Power: The ability to influence or control others.
- Prestige: Social recognition and status, often tied to occupation.
Relationship Between Social Stratification and Social Class
- Marx’s perspective focuses on economic foundations defining social classes, while Weber includes power and prestige considerations.
- Each layer in social stratification corresponds to a distinct social class.
Economic Resources and Social Class
- Economic inequality highlighted by income distribution:
- The wealthiest 20% receive over 50% of total national income.
- The poorest 20% earn less than 3.5% of the national income.
Exercising Power Without Wealth
- Power can be exerted through collective support from large groups of people or effective organization of resources, independent of financial status.
Prestige Awards
- Prestige is typically granted based on an individual's occupation, influencing their social standing and recognition within society.
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Description
This quiz focuses on social stratification and its key concepts including the differences between income and wealth. It provides a comprehensive review of Chapter 8 from your sociology course. Test your understanding of these foundational ideas in sociology.
