Sociology Chapter on Social Stratification

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What lifestyle choice might an individual adopt that is reflected in their non-consumption of meat?

Vegetarian lifestyle (correct)

Vegan lifestyle

Omnivorous lifestyle

Carnivorous lifestyle

Which class is generally composed of individuals who wield the greatest political power?

Upper class (correct)

Middle class

Underclass

Working class

What term describes individuals employed in low-paying jobs with little economic security?

Affluent class

Middle class

Blue-collar workers (correct)

Upper class

Which social segment is affected by both poverty and social exclusion?

Underclass Signup and view all the answers

As of 2015, what percentage of the population in the Philippines was reported to be living in poverty?

21.6% Signup and view all the answers

What factor is noted for contributing to the growing gap between the rich and the poor in society?

Globalization Signup and view all the answers

Which region in the Philippines has the greatest incidence of poverty?

Mindanao Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of social inequality in many societies?

Unequal distribution of wealth and income Signup and view all the answers

What do conflict theorists believe about social stratification?

It perpetuates inequality. Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, which two main classes does society divide into?

The bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of social stratification as viewed by Marx?

Worker alienation and misery. Signup and view all the answers

How do symbolic interactionists view social stratification?

It impacts daily interactions on a micro-level. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of conspicuous consumption illustrate?

The use of wealth to make a social statement. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does symbolic interactionism focus on in the context of social stratification?

Personal interactions and societal perceptions. Signup and view all the answers

What might personal style and appearance convey in a stratified society?

Social standing and class affiliation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of conflict theory regarding social roles?

Qualified individuals face barriers due to stratification. Signup and view all the answers

What do functionalists believe about gender differences?

They contribute to social stability and integration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main belief of liberal feminists regarding gender inequality?

It can be addressed through cultural change. Signup and view all the answers

According to radical feminists, what is necessary to end gender inequality?

A sexual revolution. Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective emphasizes the role of class and ethnicity in understanding oppression?

Black feminism. Signup and view all the answers

What do feminist approaches generally reject regarding gender inequality?

It is inevitable and natural. Signup and view all the answers

What do functionalists believe about the sexual division of labor?

It supports social stability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of patriarchy as viewed by radical feminists?

It is the root cause of women's exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

How does ethnicity influence the understanding of oppression in Black feminism?

It shapes the unique experiences of non-white women. Signup and view all the answers

What does global stratification refer to?

The unequal distribution of wealth, power, and prestige globally. Signup and view all the answers

What do market-oriented theories like modernization theory suggest as a solution to poverty?

Adjusting cultural values that hinder development. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following criticisms is associated with modernization theory?

It is deemed ethnocentric, labeling low-income economies as backward. Signup and view all the answers

According to dependency theories, what perpetuates poverty in low-income countries?

Dependence on high-income countries for economic capital. Signup and view all the answers

What do dependency theorists argue about the relationship between low-income and high-income countries?

Markets for raw materials from low-income countries are primarily in high-income countries. Signup and view all the answers

Which factors contributed to the economic success of East Asian countries according to modernization theory?

High rates of savings and investment, coupled with a strong work ethic. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor in the early development of Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore as per dependency theorists?

Astute economic planning and government reforms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature in the relationship between low-income and high-income countries?

Low-income nations are often reliant on high-income countries for both capital and markets. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three categories of countries in the world-systems theory?

Core, peripheral, and semiperipheral Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant concern related to wealth concentration among the wealthy?

Opportunity capture by the children of the rich Signup and view all the answers

How do state-centered theories view economic development?

As influenced significantly by government policies Signup and view all the answers

Which type of social stratification system is characterized by limited mobility?

Caste system Signup and view all the answers

What metric indicates the growing inequality worldwide, according to 2017 data?

Wealth ownership distribution among the richest Signup and view all the answers

Which system of stratification rewards personal effort and worth?

Meritocracy Signup and view all the answers

How is social stratification primarily determined in an open system?

By wealth and education Signup and view all the answers

What potential outcome is noted from the dynamics of wealth concentration?

A growing rift between the rich and poor Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conflict Theory

Conflict theory views social stratification as perpetuating inequality for the majority.
Karl Marx believed stratification was driven by economic forces, dividing society into the bourgeoisie (owning class) and the proletariat (working class).
The bourgeoisie owns the means of production, while the proletariat provides labor.
Inequality leads to worker alienation, isolation, and misery due to their lack of power.
Inequality causes class conflict.

Symbolic Interactionism

Focuses on how social standing affects everyday interactions at a micro-level.
People interact more with those within their own social class, sharing background, interests, and lifestyles.
Social stratification is a system of grouping people together.
Appearance reflects perceived social standing through housing, clothing, transportation, and personal style.
"Conspicuous consumption" refers to buying items to signal social status.

Societies are often divided into upper, middle, and lower/working class.
The upper class holds significant political power and wealth.
The middle class falls between the upper and lower classes.
The lower/working class is employed in low-paying jobs with limited economic security.
The underclass experiences poverty and social exclusion, facing obstacles to societal participation.
Income disparities exist between social classes, with significant wealth accumulation in the upper class.
Globalization has contributed to growing wealth gaps.
Poverty is most common in developing countries.

Gender Inequality

While strides have been made towards gender equality, patriarchy persists.
Functionalists see gender roles as contributing to social stability.
Feminist theories reject the naturalness of gender inequality.
Liberal feminists attribute gender inequality to social and cultural attitudes, calling for reforms to achieve equality.
Radical feminists view patriarchy as the root of women's exploitation and advocate for a "sexual revolution" to address it.
Black feminism emphasizes the intersection of gender, class, and ethnicity in oppressing non-white women.

Ethnicity and Race Issues

Ethnicity is a sense of belonging to a specific population, cultural group, or territory.
The concept is complex, encompassing racial and cultural aspects.

Global Inequality

Global stratification refers to the uneven distribution of wealth, power, and prestige globally.
This creates vast discrepancies in lifestyles and opportunities.
Modernization theory attributes poverty in low-income countries to cultural and institutional barriers, suggesting that adjusting values, promoting limited government intervention, and encouraging savings can lead to development.
Dependency theories argue that global poverty results from wealthy nations exploiting poorer ones, trapping them in a cycle of dependence.
World-systems theory focuses on the relationships between "core", "peripheral", and "semiperipheral" countries in the global economy.
State-centered theories emphasize the role of governments in fostering economic development.

Key Statistics

In 2017, the richest 1% owned nearly half of the world's wealth.
In 2013, the wealth of the top 1% amounted to $110 trillion, 65 times that of the poorest half of the world's population.
The Philippines had a poverty incidence of 21.6% in 2015.

Stratification Systems

Stratification involves categorizing social groups based on their access to resources.
Systems can be closed (limited mobility) or open (movement between layers).
Caste systems are closed, based on ascribed status (birth).
Class systems are more open, influenced by achievement (wealth, income, education, occupation).
A meritocracy rewards social standing based on personal merit and effort.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the key concepts of conflict theory and symbolic interactionism in relation to social stratification. Understand how economic forces contribute to class division and the impact of social status on interactions and perceptions within society. This quiz delves into the nuances of social inequality and its broad implications.