Questions and Answers
What is social stratification?
What is ancient slavery?
Performed many domestic services and might be employed at highly skilled jobs and professions.
What defines a caste system?
A class structure that is determined by birth and heredity.
What do class systems consist of?
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What is social mobility?
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What do the means of production focus on in Karl Marxist theory?
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How does Max Weber define property, power, and prestige?
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What is the functionalist view of society?
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Match the three worlds defined in sociology:
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What does the culture of poverty refer to?
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What does status inconsistency imply?
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What are the consequences of social class regarding healthcare?
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What defines the poverty line?
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Who is considered the typical poor person in contemporary society?
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Study Notes
Social Stratification
- Social stratification ranks categories of people in a hierarchy.
- Main divisions in Western societies include upper class, middle class, and lower class.
Slavery: Ancient to Modern
- Ancient slavery involved domestic services and skilled professions.
- Modern slavery encompasses recruitment, transportation, and coercion for labor or sex acts.
Caste Systems
- Class structure based on birth and heredity.
- Social status is often inherited; children of poor parents are likely to remain poor.
Class Systems
- Defined by groups of individuals sharing similar status, power, and wealth.
- Consists of upper, middle, and lower classes.
Social Mobility
- Refers to the movement of individuals or families in social position over time.
- Changes in income exemplify social mobility.
Means of Production (Karl Marxist)
- Focuses on modes of production and class conflict.
- Bourgeoisie exploits proletariat; ideologies can create false consciousness while economics foster class consciousness.
Bourgeoisie and Proletariat
- Bourgeoisie includes property and business owners, falling between the lowest and highest classes.
- Proletariat refers to the working class, traditionally low in wealth.
Property, Power, Prestige (Max Weber)
- Unequal global distribution of property (wealth), power (influence), and prestige (status).
- Max Weber emphasized the interconnectedness of these three aspects in social stratification.
Functionalist View
- Asserts societal aspects are interdependent, contributing to overall stability.
- Example: Families rely on schools for education and job readiness.
Three Worlds Theory
- Classifies nations into three politico-economic categories:
- First World: Superpowers like the U.S. and Soviet Union.
- Second World: Lesser powers such as Japan, Europe, and Canada.
- Third World: Exploited nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Culture of Poverty
- Describes the cyclical nature of poverty.
- Characteristics include poor school attendance, financial management focused on cash availability.
Status Inconsistency
- Occurs when an individual’s social positions yield mixed influences on status.
- Example: A well-paid janitor may have low social prestige due to occupation.
Consequences of Social Class
- Upper-class individuals can afford comprehensive medical care.
- Lower-class families often struggle to secure necessary medical services.
Poverty Line
- The minimum income level required to meet basic life necessities.
- Often associated with concepts like minimum wage.
Demographics of Poverty
- The typical poor individual is most often white (non-Latino).
Race Myths and Reality
- Discussions on race focus on social constructs versus lived realities.
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Description
Explore key concepts in sociology with these flashcards from Unit 3. Understand the complexities of social stratification and the evolution of slavery from ancient to modern times. Perfect for students looking to consolidate their knowledge of societal hierarchies and definitions.
