Questions and Answers
What is the Horatio Alger myth, and how does it influence the way we treat the poor, jobless, and homeless?
The Horatio Alger myth is the belief that through hard work, anyone can become successful. It makes people look down on those who have not achieved material success because they assume that the poor simply haven't worked hard enough.
What was Hidden in America's response to the Horatio Theory myth?
It showed the story of a hard-working man who could not get ahead.
How might Conflict Theory and Functionalism differ in regards to stratification?
Conflict theory views those in power as suppressing those who aren't, while Functionalism sees stratification as necessary for our social institutions to function.
How might symbolic interactionism view stratification?
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How do class systems in the U.S. affect opportunities?
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Know Marx vs. Weber's view of social class.
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How do race and gender contribute to social inequality?
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According to C. Wright Mills, who are the power elites?
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How does media consolidation reinforce the Power Elite Theory?
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How is social media changing the dynamics of the power elite?
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What is the Feminization of Poverty?
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Compare the Estate System, slavery, and the caste system.
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What is the difference between unemployment and underemployment?
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How do symbolic interactionism, functionalism, and conflict theory view aging?
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How do stereotypes reinforce ageism?
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What did Elisabeth Kubler-Ross postulate about dying?
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How do neocolonialism and multinational corporations maintain global stratification?
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How does the world system theory explain globalization stratification?
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Study Notes
Horatio Alger Myth
- Represents the belief that hard work leads to success
- Encourages negative perceptions towards the poor, implying they did not work hard enough
Hidden in America
- Counterstory to the Horatio Alger myth
- Focuses on a diligent individual struggling to achieve success
Conflict Theory vs. Functionalism on Stratification
- Conflict theory: Power dynamics lead to oppression of lower classes
- Functionalism: Stratification is essential for societal function and organization
Symbolic Interactionism Perspective
- Social classes are defined and influenced by how they are perceived and interacted with in society
Impact of Class Systems in the U.S.
- Class connections dictate future opportunities
- Parental role reinforces social standing
- Wealth directly affects education quality and access
Marx vs. Weber on Social Class
- Marx: Society is divided into two main classes (proletariat vs. bourgeois)
- Weber: Class complexity depends on power, property, and prestige
Race, Gender, and Social Inequality
- Historically, women and non-white racial groups face greater limitations
- These inequalities are perpetuated through traditional norms and societal perceptions
C. Wright Mills' Power Elite
- A small group of influential individuals from business, military, and political spheres
- Holds significant power over societal decisions in the U.S.
Media Consolidation and Power Elite Theory
- Fewer media corporations lead to concentrated control over information dissemination
- Supports power dynamics favoring elite groups
Influence of Social Media on Power Dynamics
- Provides a platform for ordinary individuals to express opinions and influence discussions
- Alters traditional power structures established by elite groups
Feminization of Poverty
- Increasing trend of women becoming heads of impoverished households
Comparison of Social Stratification Systems
- Estate system: Based on noble lineage and land ownership
- Slavery: Involuntary ownership and control over individuals
- Caste system: Inherent social position with limited mobility
Unemployment vs. Underemployment
- Unemployment: Inability to find work
- Underemployment: Working in positions below one's qualifications or not enough hours
Theories of Aging
- Conflict theory: Competition for resources between generations
- Functionalism: Retirement allows younger workers to enter the workforce
- Symbolic interactionism: Understanding age as a socially constructed concept
Ageism and Stereotypes
- Stereotypes diminish the perceived value of the elderly
- Obscures their potential contributions to society
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Dying Stages
- Proposed five stages of coping with death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance
Neocolonialism and Multinational Corporations
- Neocolonialism: Continued economic and cultural dominance over non-industrialized nations by industrial countries
- Multinational corporations: Operate globally, benefitting industrialized nations disproportionately
World System Theory and Globalization
- Classifies nations into four groups: core, semiperiphery, periphery, and external area
- Highlights how capitalist globalization creates interdependencies among countries while fostering stratification
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Description
Test your understanding of key sociological concepts, including the Horatio Alger myth and its implications for society's view on poverty and success. These flashcards will help reinforce critical ideas that shape our perceptions of the poor, jobless, and homeless.