Sociology: Social Stratification Concepts

Questions and Answers

What is social stratification?

A measurement of wealth distribution

The ranking of people or groups according to their unequal access to scarce resources (correct)

The social mobility of individuals

The ranking of people or groups according to their equal access to resources

What is horizontal mobility?

A change in occupation within the same social class

Who is Karl Marx?

A sociologist who studied social classes and proposed that only two classes would exist: the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.

What is vertical mobility?

Change in upward or downward occupational status or social class Signup and view all the answers

What does false consciousness refer to?

Adoption of the ideas of the dominant class by the less powerful class Signup and view all the answers

What is intergenerational mobility?

Change in status or class from generation to the next Signup and view all the answers

What is a caste system?

Stratification structure that does not allow for social mobility Signup and view all the answers

What is the functionalist view of stratification?

Explains stratification by looking at jobs and comparing how the most qualified jobs have the most important positions. Signup and view all the answers

What is social class?

Segment of society whose members hold similar amounts of resources and share values, norms, and an identifiable lifestyle Signup and view all the answers

What is the conflict view of stratification?

Says that inequality exists because some people are willing to exploit others. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the bourgeoisie?

Class that owns the means of production Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolic interactionist view on stratification?

Explains stratification by saying that people are socialized to accept the existing stratification structure. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the proletariat?

Class that works without the means of production Signup and view all the answers

What is relative poverty?

Measure of poverty based on the economic disparity between those at the bottom of society and the rest of society Signup and view all the answers

What is wealth?

Total economic resources held by a person or group Signup and view all the answers

What is absolute poverty?

The absence of enough money to secure life's necessities Signup and view all the answers

What is power?

The ability to control the behavior of others, even against their will Signup and view all the answers

What is prestige?

Recognition, respect, and admiration attached to social positions Signup and view all the answers

What is mobility?

The movement of individuals or groups between social classes Signup and view all the answers

What is welfare?

Financial support given to those in need Signup and view all the answers

What is the class system in America?

An open class system where people can move easily between social classes Signup and view all the answers

What is social security?

An insurance program that provides benefits to the retired, disabled, or unemployed Signup and view all the answers

Who makes up the upper class?

Only 1% of the population, often consisting of old families in the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What does AFDC stand for?

Aid to Families with Dependent Children Signup and view all the answers

What does TANF stand for?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Signup and view all the answers

Who makes up the upper middle class?

Successful professional people who make up 14% of the population Signup and view all the answers

Who is Lyndon Johnson?

The President who declared the 'War on Poverty' Signup and view all the answers

Who makes up the middle class?

Small business owners and small-town doctors and lawyers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Refers to the hierarchical ranking of individuals or groups based on unequal access to resources.
Includes factors like wealth, power, prestige, and social status.

Types of Mobility

Horizontal Mobility: Change in job or occupation within the same social class.
Vertical Mobility: Movement up or down the social hierarchy.
Intergenerational Mobility: Status or class change that occurs between different generations.

Theoretical Perspectives

Functionalist View: Argues that stratification is based on job importance and required qualifications; higher compensation for more critical roles.
Conflict View: Suggests inequality arises from exploitation and the maintenance of false consciousness among the less powerful.
Symbolic Interactionist View: Focuses on socialization processes that reinforce existing stratification and the relationship between class and self-esteem.

Key Sociologists

Karl Marx: Analyzed social classes and posited that only the bourgeoisie (owners) and proletariat (workers) would exist; believed economic factors drove societal structures.

Class Systems

Caste System: Rigid structure preventing social mobility; historically seen in India.
Class System in America: An open system allowing individuals to move between classes, with no permanent class confinement.
Upper Class: Comprises 1% of the population, often old wealth societies.
Upper Middle Class: Represents 14% of the society, includes successful professionals.
Middle Class: About 30% of the population, includes small business owners and professionals.

Poverty Concepts

Absolute Poverty: Inability to afford basic life necessities.
Relative Poverty: Economic disparity between the poorest and the broader society, indicating social inequality.

Social Security: Provides benefits to retired, disabled, or unemployed individuals.
Welfare Programs: Designed to assist those in need; includes:
- AFDC: Aid for families with dependent children.
- TANF: Temporary assistance for needy families, with time-limited support contingent on work.

Additional Key Terms

Wealth: Total economic resources held by individuals or groups.
Power: The capacity to influence others, often against their will.
Prestige: Social respect and admiration associated with particular social positions.
Mobility: Movement between different social classes, indicating social fluidity.
False Consciousness: The acceptance of the dominant class's values by the oppressed class, hindering class awareness.

Notable Figures

Lyndon Johnson: Initiated the "war on poverty" aimed at eradicating poverty in the U.S.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of social stratification, including types of mobility and theoretical perspectives. Learn about the hierarchical ranking based on resources and the views of key sociologists like Karl Marx. This quiz will help you understand the dynamics of social class and inequality.