Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes social stratification?
Which of the following best describes social stratification?
- A hierarchical ranking of individuals and groups in a society. (correct)
- A system where all individuals have equal access to resources and opportunities.
- A system where society becomes increasingly specialized over time.
- The movement of individuals between different social classes.
According to the content, what is a key difference between social differentiation and social stratification?
According to the content, what is a key difference between social differentiation and social stratification?
- Social differentiation involves inequality, while social stratification does not.
- Social differentiation is the process of specialization, while social stratification is a system of ranking. (correct)
- Social differentiation persists across generations, while social stratification does not.
- Social differentiation is a modern phenomenon, while social stratification is ancient.
Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned in the content as a basis for social inequality?
Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned in the content as a basis for social inequality?
- Age
- Race
- Political affiliation (correct)
- Gender
What distinguishes vertical mobility from horizontal mobility?
What distinguishes vertical mobility from horizontal mobility?
Which type of social mobility involves a change in social status relative to one's parents' generation?
Which type of social mobility involves a change in social status relative to one's parents' generation?
In an open system of social stratification, what is most likely to occur?
In an open system of social stratification, what is most likely to occur?
Which of the following statements best reflects the relationship between social stratification and beliefs?
Which of the following statements best reflects the relationship between social stratification and beliefs?
According to the provided text from Marx and Engels, what is the driving force of historical societal development?
According to the provided text from Marx and Engels, what is the driving force of historical societal development?
In a closed system of social stratification, what is the defining characteristic?
In a closed system of social stratification, what is the defining characteristic?
According to Karl Marx, what is the primary basis for class division in society?
According to Karl Marx, what is the primary basis for class division in society?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between classes in modern industrial societies, according to Karl Marx?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between classes in modern industrial societies, according to Karl Marx?
How did Max Weber expand upon Marx's theory of social stratification?
How did Max Weber expand upon Marx's theory of social stratification?
Which of the following is an example of an ascribed status?
Which of the following is an example of an ascribed status?
What is social prestige?
What is social prestige?
Why is prestige associated with the consumption of certain brands?
Why is prestige associated with the consumption of certain brands?
In an egalitarian society, how is access to prestige positions determined?
In an egalitarian society, how is access to prestige positions determined?
Which characteristic primarily differentiates a rank society from an egalitarian society?
Which characteristic primarily differentiates a rank society from an egalitarian society?
What is the primary basis for social stratification in a class system, contrasting it with a caste system?
What is the primary basis for social stratification in a class system, contrasting it with a caste system?
Which of the following is a defining feature of a caste system?
Which of the following is a defining feature of a caste system?
How do caste systems in highly agrarian societies maintain social order and lifelong routines?
How do caste systems in highly agrarian societies maintain social order and lifelong routines?
Which characteristic distinguishes a class system from a caste system?
Which characteristic distinguishes a class system from a caste system?
According to functionalist perspectives on social stratification, inequality is considered:
According to functionalist perspectives on social stratification, inequality is considered:
In a rank society, if access to economic resources and power is relatively equal, what primarily distinguishes different social groups?
In a rank society, if access to economic resources and power is relatively equal, what primarily distinguishes different social groups?
How do symbolic interactionists view social stratification?
How do symbolic interactionists view social stratification?
How does the concept of 'endogamy' relate to caste systems?
How does the concept of 'endogamy' relate to caste systems?
Which societal type is characterized by the absence of significantly unequal access to economic resources, power, and prestige?
Which societal type is characterized by the absence of significantly unequal access to economic resources, power, and prestige?
A conflict theorist would most likely argue that social inequalities:
A conflict theorist would most likely argue that social inequalities:
What is the functionalist perspective on how societies ensure the most qualified individuals fill the most important positions?
What is the functionalist perspective on how societies ensure the most qualified individuals fill the most important positions?
A symbolic interactionist studying social inequality would likely focus on:
A symbolic interactionist studying social inequality would likely focus on:
What is a key criticism of inequality from a conflict theorist's perspective?
What is a key criticism of inequality from a conflict theorist's perspective?
How can daily interactions perpetuate social inequalities, according to a symbolic interactionist?
How can daily interactions perpetuate social inequalities, according to a symbolic interactionist?
Flashcards
Social Stratification
Social Stratification
A system that ranks categories of people in a hierarchy within society.
Structured Inequalities
Structured Inequalities
Inequalities based on gender, race, age, and more within a society.
Social Mobility
Social Mobility
Movement from one social class to another within a class system.
Horizontal Mobility
Horizontal Mobility
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Vertical Mobility
Vertical Mobility
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Intragenerational Mobility
Intragenerational Mobility
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Intergenerational Mobility
Intergenerational Mobility
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Open Systems
Open Systems
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Class System
Class System
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Caste System
Caste System
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Achieved Status
Achieved Status
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Ascribed Status
Ascribed Status
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Functionalist Perspective
Functionalist Perspective
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Conflict Theorist Perspective
Conflict Theorist Perspective
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Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
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Egalitarian Societies
Egalitarian Societies
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Rank Societies
Rank Societies
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Achieved Characteristics
Achieved Characteristics
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Endogamy
Endogamy
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Differential Prestige
Differential Prestige
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Closed System
Closed System
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Karl Marx's Class Theory
Karl Marx's Class Theory
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Modern Industrial Classes
Modern Industrial Classes
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Exploitative Relationship
Exploitative Relationship
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Max Weber's Stratification Theory
Max Weber's Stratification Theory
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Social Prestige
Social Prestige
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Study Notes
Introduction to Social Stratification
- Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels declared that the written history of all societies is a history of class struggle.
Social Stratification
- Social stratification is how a society ranks people hierarchically. This arrangement is represented by layers or strata.
- Social stratification is not just about ownership of property; it includes various factors.
Types of Social Stratification
- Caste:
- A ranked group often associated with a specific occupation.
- Membership is determined at birth.
- Marriage is restricted to members of the same caste (endogamy).
- Caste systems limit social interactions between different groups.
- Caste systems are typically associated with agrarian societies, demanding rigid duties and disciplines.
- Class:
- A system of social stratification where people are ranked on the basis of achieved characteristics (merit, talent, ability, past performance).
- It's an open system with high social mobility.
- Rank:
- Social groups have unequal access to prestige and status but not significantly unequal access to economic resources or power.
- The position of a chief is often hereditary.
Social Mobility
- Social mobility is moving from one social class to another within a class system.
- Types of social mobility:
- Horizontal: Change in social situation without a status change
- Vertical: Change in social situation involving a gain or loss of status
- Intragenerational: Change affecting a single person during their lifetime
- Intergenerational: Change affecting a person based on comparison with the previous generation.
Open vs Closed Systems
- Open: People can change their social position relatively easily (Social mobility readily available)
- Closed: People have limited ability to change their social position
Theories of Class & Stratification
-
Karl Marx: Class is a group of people sharing a common relationship to the means of production. Pre-industrial societies had two main classes (landowners and producers); modern societies are divided between capitalists and the working class. The relationship between classes is exploitative.
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Max Weber: Modified Marx's approach. Stratification is not just about economics, but also includes status (social) and party (political) aspects. Class divisions also arise from differences not related to property ownership.
Statuses in Sociology
- Ascribed: Social positions assigned based on attributes a person is born with or develops over time (e.g., sex, race, age, inherited religious affiliation).
- Achieved: Social positions earned through personal choice, effort, and ability (e.g., wealth, education, occupation).
Social Prestige
- Social prestige is the level of respect or admiration for a social status, unrelated to the person occupying it.
Discussion: Prestige/Status Symbols
- Questions and discussion prompts relate to factors of value, cost, and branding influencing perceived status.
Types of Societies
- Egalitarian:
- Egalitarian does not mean everyone is equal.
- Differential prestige exists—differences relating to age, gender, skills, power, creativity, attractiveness, and intelligence.
- There are as many prestige positions within a given social group as there are people capable of filling them.
Perspectives on Social Stratification
- Functionalist: Stratification is necessary for societal stability and efficiency. The most qualified people end up in vital roles due to motivating rewards.
- Conflict: Stratification is a reflection of unequal power dynamics, perpetuating by those in power. Social inequalities and privilege are inherently unjust.
- Symbolic Interactionist: Social Stratification is constructed and maintained through daily interactions, symbols, and meanings. Individuals subjectively experience and internalize society's labels.
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Description
Explore social stratification, how societies rank people hierarchically. This system involves layers, not just property ownership. Learn about caste systems, where membership is determined at birth, and class systems, based on achieved characteristics.
