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Stratification

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.

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Stratification

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  1. Stratification

  2. 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.

  3. 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. Caste and Class Systems

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  6. 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. The Functions of Social Stratification

  7. 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.

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

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