Sociology Flashcards Chapter 4

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Questions and Answers

What is social stratification?

the division of society into groups arranged in a social hierarchy

What is social inequality?

the unequal distribution of wealth, power, or prestige among members of society

What are the three systems of stratification?

slavery (closed), caste (closed), social class (open)

How do the three systems of stratification differ?

Slavery is the most extreme form, caste is determined by family background and cannot be changed, social class is based on resources and can change. Signup and view all the answers

What are closed systems?

a social system with very little opportunity to move from one tier to another Signup and view all the answers

What are open systems?

a social system with ample opportunities to move from one tier to another Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between social class and socioeconomic status?

Social class is based on access to resources, while SES measures an individual's position in the social class system. Signup and view all the answers

What are the distinct social classes?

Upper class, Upper middle, Middle class, Middle lower, Lower class Signup and view all the answers

How do the social classes differ?

Upper class: wealthiest 1%; Upper middle: professionals, 14%; Middle class: white-collar workers, 30%; Middle lower: blue-collar, 30%; Lower class: poorly educated, 20%. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to determine a person's socioeconomic status?

SES is based on complex variables, making it hard to define class boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What is social mobility?

the movement of individuals or groups within the hierarchical system of social classes Signup and view all the answers

How can it be intergenerational and intragenerational?

Inter: Child moves into a different class than parents; Intra: Change from one class to another within one's lifetime. Signup and view all the answers

How can it be horizontal and vertical?

Horizontal: changing jobs at the same class level; Vertical: moving up or down in the class hierarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What is meritocracy?

a system in which rewards are distributed based on merit Signup and view all the answers

Why can meritocracy be problematic?

People think it doesn't exist; the belief that we are all equal is not true. Signup and view all the answers

What is the culture of poverty?

entrenched attitudes that develop among poor communities, leading to acceptance of their fate Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'just world hypothesis'?

argues that people have a deep need to see the world as fair, leading to victim-blaming. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between relative and absolute deprivation?

Relative: poverty based on standard of living; Absolute: inability to meet minimal standards for basic needs. Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'Paul Fussell Living Room Scale' and what does it tell us about social class?

a way to evaluate one's living room to determine class based on its contents. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social stratification refers to the division of society into hierarchical groups.
Social inequality is characterized by the unequal distribution of wealth, power, or prestige.

Systems of Stratification

Three systems of stratification include:
- Slavery (closed system)
- Caste (closed system)
- Social Class (open system)
Slavery involves legal ownership of individuals, marking it as the most severe form of stratification.
Caste determines status based on family heritage, with no opportunity for change.
Social Class provides a more flexible system influenced by access to wealth, property, power, and prestige.

Closed vs. Open Systems

Closed systems have limited opportunities for movement between social tiers.
Open systems allow for more mobility and opportunities to change social standings.

Social class is determined by access to resources, while socioeconomic status (SES) measures an individual's position within a social class, unaffected by race, ethnicity, gender, or age.

Classes include:
- Upper class (1% of population, vast wealth)
- Upper middle class (14%, professionals/financially stable)
- Middle class (30%, white-collar workers with varied incomes)
- Middle lower class (30%, blue-collar/service industry, less education)
- Lower class (20%, full-time workers below poverty line)

Challenges in Defining Socioeconomic Status

SES assessment involves complex variables: income, wealth, education, occupation, and power.
Wealthy individuals with varying degrees of education complicate classification further.

Social mobility refers to the movement within the hierarchical structure of social classes.
Can occur intergenerationally (child moves to a different class) or intragenerationally (individual changes class in their lifetime).

Horizontal and Vertical Mobility

Horizontal mobility example: a waiter transitioning to a nursing role.
Vertical mobility example: a waiter becoming homeless.

Meritocracy and Its Issues

Meritocracy is a system rewarding individuals based on merit.
Many dispute its existence, believing society lacks true equality, complicating perceptions of fairness.

Culture of Poverty

Refers to attitudes developed in impoverished communities, fostering acceptance of their socio-economic situation without striving for change.

Just World Hypothesis

Suggests people view the world as fair, potentially blaming victims of social injustices for their conditions.

Relative vs. Absolute Deprivation

Relative deprivation measures poverty against societal standards, deeming individuals poor if they have less than peers.
Absolute deprivation is an objective measure based on minimal needs such as food and shelter.

Paul Fussell Living Room Scale

A tool to assess social class based on household contents, reflecting one's socio-economic status.

Social inequality intersects with race, influencing judgments and perceptions regarding various social standing conditions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on social stratification and inequality with these flashcards from Sociology Chapter 4. Learn the definitions and systems that shape social structures in society. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of core sociological concepts.