Sociology: Social Stratification Concepts

Social Stratification

• 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 and Welfare

• 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.

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.