Sociology Test 3 Chapter 7 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is social stratification?

The hierarchical arrangement of positions in society by property, prestige, and/or power.

What does endogamy mean?

Individuals are limited to social interaction within their own groups.

What is exogamy?

Individuals are free to form relationships with people outside their group.

What does ascription refer to?

Assigned to positions on the basis of personal characteristics over which we have no control. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by class in sociology?

Position in social class hierarchy based on classification of others. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an open class system?

There is social mobility and minimal inequality of opportunity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a closed caste system?

A closed stratification system based on prestige with maximum inequality. Signup and view all the answers

What does functionalist theory suggest about stratification?

Stratification is necessary to ensure the most qualified people pursue the most important jobs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the classical conservative view on inequality?

Inequality is part of nature and reflects variations in abilities. Signup and view all the answers

What does conflict theory focus on?

Stratification arises from groups competing for power and property. Signup and view all the answers

What does Marx say about class?

Class position is determined by our relationship to the means of production. Signup and view all the answers

What is the bourgeoisie?

The class that owns the means of production. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proletariat?

The class that sells labor to the owners. Signup and view all the answers

What does Weber emphasize about class?

Class involves economic, social, and political factors. Signup and view all the answers

What are life chances according to Weber?

Access to resources such as food, clothing, shelter, education, and health care. Signup and view all the answers

What is social mobility?

Movement from one level in the stratification system to another. Signup and view all the answers

What is absolute poverty?

Lack of money for basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. Signup and view all the answers

What is relative poverty?

Having money for necessities but lacking basic amenities. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the feminization of poverty?

The trend in which women are disproportionately represented among individuals living in poverty. Signup and view all the answers

What is job deskilling?

A reduction in the proficiency needed to perform a specific job. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by meritocracy?

A hierarchy in which all positions are rewarded based on people's ability and credentials. Signup and view all the answers

What factors have eroded the American Dream for the middle class?

Escalating housing prices, occupational insecurity, blocked mobility on the job, and cost of living squeeze. Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of stratification?

Physical health, mental health, politics, criminal justice, and education disparities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hierarchical arrangement of society by property, prestige, power, and control over resources.
Influences social group dynamics and determines interactions.

Endogamy and Exogamy

Endogamy: Restricts interactions and relationships within one's own social group.
Exogamy: Encourages forming relationships outside one's own group.

Ascription and Class

Ascription: Social positions assigned based on unchangeable personal characteristics.
Class reflects the reality of social hierarchies where individuals categorize each other.

Class Systems

Open Class System: Flexible hierarchy allows social mobility and opportunities based on achievement rather than fixed status.
Closed Caste System: Rigid structure where status is ascribed at birth, with minimal mobility, exemplified in systems of slavery.

Functionalist Theory

Argues stratification organizes society by ensuring qualified individuals fill important roles.
Critiques highlight that rewards may not correlate with job importance and access to roles can be restricted.

Classical Views on Inequality

Classical Conservative: Believes inequality is natural due to variations in human ability; underpins functionalism.
Classical Liberal: Advocates that societal issues stem from scarcity, compelling competition; leads to conflict theory.

Conflict Theory

Views stratification as a power struggle among groups competing for economic resources.
Emphasizes economic forces, yet critics argue overemphasis on class struggle and failed predictions of revolutions.

Marx vs. Weber on Class

Marx: Class defined by relationship to production—those who own versus those who sell labor. Notion of false consciousness versus class consciousness.
Weber: Multidimensional approach that includes economic, social, and political factors affecting life chances and class distinctions.

Life Chances and Socioeconomic Status

Life chances encompass access to vital resources like education and healthcare; affluent individuals enjoy advantages.
Socioeconomic Status (SES): Combined measure of class determined by occupation, income, wealth, and education.

Refers to movement within the stratification system, encompassing various types such as vertical (up or down) and horizontal (same level).
Influenced by both individual efforts and larger structural changes in society.

Poverty Types

Absolute Poverty: Inability to meet basic needs for survival.
Relative Poverty: Insufficient income for average standard of living; struggles to maintain amenities.
Subjective Poverty: Individual perception of income versus expectations.

Feminization of Poverty

Represents the increasing prevalence of women among the poor, resulting from economic disparities and gender wage gaps in single-parent households.

Underclass and Job Deskilling

Underclass: Individuals in long-term poverty with low education and employment rates.
Job Deskilling: Reduction in required skills for jobs, often leading to lower wages.

Meritocracy and the American Dream

Meritocracy: A system where rewards are based on individual abilities and credentials.
American Dream: Ideals of homeownership, education, and stable employment challenged by rising costs, job insecurity, and limited mobility.

Consequences of Stratification

Physical Health: Upper classes enjoy better health outcomes; access to medical care correlates with socio-economic status.
Mental Health: Increased mental health issues in lower classes; upper classes have better access to treatment.
Political Engagement: Upper classes show higher voter registration and civic participation, while lower classes exhibit apathy.
Criminal Justice: Lower classes face higher risks of both victimization and punishment; white-collar crimes are more common among the higher classes.
Education: Academic success is associated with upper and middle classes, emphasizing the value placed on educational achievement.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 7 in Sociology with this set of flashcards. Focus on key concepts like social stratification, endogamy, and exogamy to enhance your understanding of social relationships and hierarchy. Perfect for review before your exam!