GROUP EXERCISE

Here is the situation. Imagine for example that genetic engineershave developed and prescribed designer drugs capable ofdramatically increasing intelligence, memory and motivation forall Americans. Suddenly Americans of all walks of life becomecapable of “making something of themselves” and they all possessthe will to do so. With their new found drive and ability, theybegin to pursue degrees in higher education as tickets to the goodlife. Short period of time later, virtually all Americans acquirethe credentials and training required to apply for society’s mostprestigious and high paying jobs, such as doctors, lawyers,business executives etc.

How will society look like if this were to be the case?

SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

• System that divides people into groups on the basis of power, prestige and wealth.

• American stratification ideology – that drive and ability is all you need to succeed.

• Equality will not succeed because of the inequalities that exist in the larger society, particularly in the labor market.

• So what can be done about inequality? Attack structural factors.

SYSTEMS OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

• Slavery – people own other people.

• Caste System – status is determined by birth and is lifelong.

– Ascribed status is the basis of caste system.– Endogamic marriages preserve the boundaries

between castes.

• Clan system – found in agricultural societies. An individuals status depends on lineage.

• Class system – based on material possession.

• Even among all these systems gender is always an essential part of these distinctions within each layer.

Why is Social Stratification Universal?

• Structural Functionalist theory – stratification performs a service for society.

What determines social class

• Karl Marx argued that class is determined by one’s relationship to the means of production – tools, factories, land, and investment capital that is used to produce wealth.

Answer the following questions as you watch the movie, the “Untouchables”.

a) What is the origin of the caste system.

b) How does the caste system influence peoples lives?

c) What are the untouchables doing to reclaim their dignity? How are the high caste people responding?

d) How many untouchables still do the “filthy” jobs?