Sociology: Social Structure and Inequality

Study Notes

Definition: The underlying pattern of social relationships and institutions that shape a society
Components:
- Social institutions (family, education, economy, politics, religion)
- Social groups (race, class, gender, age)
- Social roles (expectations and norms associated with a position)
Functions:
- Provides a sense of identity and belonging
- Allocates resources and opportunities
- Shapes individual behavior and attitudes

Definition: The unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and rewards among individuals and groups in a society
Types:
- Economic inequality (wealth, income, education)
- Social inequality (prestige, power, status)
- Cultural inequality (access to cultural capital, symbolic goods)
Causes:
- Institutional discrimination
- Socialization and cultural norms
- Historical and structural factors (colonialism, slavery)
Consequences:
- Social exclusion and marginalization
- Health disparities and mortality rates
- Conflict and social unrest

Case Studies

1. The American Dream

The idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination
Reality: Limited social mobility, racial and economic segregation, and unequal access to education and job opportunities
Example: The racial wealth gap in the United States, where the median wealth of white families is seven times that of Black families

2. The Indian Caste System

A centuries-old system of social stratification based on occupation and social status
Characteristics:
- Hereditary transmission of occupation and social status
- Endogamy (marriage within one's own caste)
- Hierarchical ranking of castes
Consequences:
- Social exclusion and discrimination against lower castes (Dalits)
- Limited social mobility and access to education and job opportunities

3. The African American Experience

Historical and ongoing experiences of racism, discrimination, and marginalization
Characteristics:
- Systemic racism in education, housing, and criminal justice
- Racial profiling and police brutality
- Limited access to healthcare and economic opportunities
Consequences:
- Racial disparities in health outcomes, education, and economic outcomes
- Social movements and activism (Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter)

Description

Understand the underlying social structures, institutions, and relationships that shape a society, and how they lead to social inequality, including types, causes, and consequences. Explore case studies on the American Dream, Indian Caste System, and the African American Experience.