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Stratification

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Page 1: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Stratification

Page 2: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

What is Social Stratification?

• Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy.

• Stratification is a trait of society.

• It persists over generations.

• It is universal, but variable.

• It involves not just inequality, but beliefs.

Page 3: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Caste and Class Systems

• A caste system – social stratification based on ascription or birth.

• Birth alone determines one’s destiny.

• There is little opportunity for social mobility.

• A class system – social stratification based on both birth and individual achievement.

• Even blood relatives may have different social standings.

• Meritocracy – based on personal merit.

Page 4: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification
Page 5: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification
Page 6: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Wealth & Power: United States

• Top 1% of households owns 50% of the stock, financial securities, and trust equity; 66% of business equity, 36% of non-home real estate

• Top 10% owns 90% of the stock, financial securities, and trust equity; 75% non-home real estate

Page 7: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Ideology: The Power Behind Stratification

• We wonder how societies persist without sharing resources more equally.

• Ideology – cultural beliefs that justify social stratification.

• A belief that the rich are smart, and the poor are lazy, is ideological.

Page 8: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

The Functions of Social Stratification

• Social inequality plays a vital role.

• The Davis-Moore Thesis – stratification has beneficial consequences for the operation of a society.

• Certain jobs can be performed by almost anyone.

• Other jobs demand the scarce talents of people with extensive training.

• The greater the importance of a position, the more rewards attached to it.

Page 9: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Stratification and Conflict

• Stratification provides some people with advantages over others.

• Karl Marx explained you can either own property, or work for others.

• Capitalism makes class conflict inevitable.

• In time, oppression and misery should drive the working majority to overthrow capitalism.

Page 10: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Dimensions of Class• Income

– Occupational wages and earnings from investments

• Wealth– The total value of money and other assets, minus

any debt

• Social power– The ability to control, even in the face of resistance

• Occupational prestige– Job-related status

• Schooling– Key to better career opportunities

Page 11: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Social Classes• The upper class

– 5 % of the population

• The middle class– 40-45% of the population

• The working class– 33% of the population

• The lower class– The remaining 20% of people

Page 12: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

A Middle Class Society• Everyone stands equal under the law• We celebrate individuality• We interact mostly with people like

ourselves– Most do not know “superrich” or or those in

“poverty”

• The U.S. Is an affluent society– Belief that everyone is financially comfortable

• Socioeconomic status (SES) reflects money (income, wealth & power), occupational prestige and schooling

Page 13: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Upper Class• The upper-uppers

– The blue bloods– Membership almost always based on

ascription– They have “old money”– They are set apart by the amount of wealth

their families control– Much time devoted to community activities

• The lower-uppers– The working rich people– The “new rich” by “old money” standards– Can still find themselves excluded from

certain organizations and clubs

Page 14: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Social Stratification & Birth

• Ancestry– Born to privilege or poverty makes a big difference

• Gender– More poor families are headed by women

• Race and ethnicity– Disparity still exist when comparing majority and

minority groups on social and financial variables

• Religion– Members of protestant denominations

(Episcopalians and Presbyterians) are identified as the most affluent

Page 15: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Middle Class

• More racial and ethnic diversity• Upper-middles

– $80,000 to $160,000 yearly income– Education is important– High occupational prestige– Involvement in local politics

• Average-middles– Less prestige in occupation– Few white collar, or high-skilled blue collar

jobs– Income provides modest security– 50% kids attend state-sponsored colleges

Page 16: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Working Class

• Marxist “industrial proletariat”– $25,000 to $40,000 annual income

• “Blue-collar” routine jobs with less satisfaction

• Half own their own homes• Fewer children go to college (only

one-third)• Vulnerable to financial problems

caused by unemployment or illness

Page 17: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

Lower Class

• 31.1 million Americans classified as poor in 2000

• Others are “working poor” minimum wage jobs

• Half complete high school, one in four attend college

• Own homes in less desirable inner city neighborhoods or rural south

Page 18: Stratification. What is Social Stratification? Social stratification – a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Stratification

The Difference Class Makes• Health

– Amount and type of health care

• Cultural values– Vary with position

• Politics– Conservative or liberal– Degree of involvement

• Family and gender– Type of parental involvement– Socialization practices– Relationships and responsibilities