Social Stratification Chapter 8

Social Stratification A society’s ranking of people based on their access to valued resources such as wealth, power, and prestige.A society’s ranking of people based on their access to valued resources such as wealth, power, and prestige. Closed stratification system--movement from one social position to another is limited by ascribed statuses (Slavery and Caste systems are examples)Closed stratification system--movement from one social position to another is limited by ascribed statuses (Slavery and Caste systems are examples) Open Stratification system—allows movement up or down because mobility is influenced by people’s achievements (Class system is an example)Open Stratification system—allows movement up or down because mobility is influenced by people’s achievements (Class system is an example) Social Class—people who have similar standing or rank in a society based on wealth, education power, prestige and other valued resources.Social Class—people who have similar standing or rank in a society based on wealth, education power, prestige and other valued resources.

Bases of Stratification Wealth —economic assets that a person or family owns. Wealth is cumulative. Passing on wealth to the next generation preserves privilege. Wealth —economic assets that a person or family owns. Wealth is cumulative. Passing on wealth to the next generation preserves privilege. Prestige —respect, recognition, or regard attached to social positions. Typically evaluate based on occupations. Most prestigious usually require higher education, non-manual, pay more, seen as socially more important, and have greater freedom of supervision Prestige —respect, recognition, or regard attached to social positions. Typically evaluate based on occupations. Most prestigious usually require higher education, non-manual, pay more, seen as socially more important, and have greater freedom of supervision Power —the ability to influence or control the behavior despite opposition. These are people who make the most important decisions. Power —the ability to influence or control the behavior despite opposition. These are people who make the most important decisions.

Social Class in the US Socioeconomic status (SES)-an overall ranking of a person’s position based on income, education, and occupation.Socioeconomic status (SES)-an overall ranking of a person’s position based on income, education, and occupation. The Upper Class: the Upper-Upper class is the “old money class” that has been wealthy for years. Mostly inherited wealththe Upper-Upper class is the “old money class” that has been wealthy for years. Mostly inherited wealth the Lower-Upper Class is the “new money class” that has worked for and accumulated their wealth.the Lower-Upper Class is the “new money class” that has worked for and accumulated their wealth.

Social Class (cont) The Middle Class: the Upper-Middle Class—considered rich. Works for their money and tend to have advanced degrees and work many hours a weekthe Upper-Middle Class—considered rich. Works for their money and tend to have advanced degrees and work many hours a week the Lower-Middle Class—consists on people in non- manual occupations that require training past high school. Most are 2 income families to maintain standard of livingthe Lower-Middle Class—consists on people in non- manual occupations that require training past high school. Most are 2 income families to maintain standard of living

Social Class (cont) The Lower Class: the Working Class—People who work at least 27 weeks a year but wages fall below the official poverty level.the Working Class—People who work at least 27 weeks a year but wages fall below the official poverty level. the Lower Class—People who are consistently poor and seldom employed, residentially segregated, and relatively isolated from the rest of the population.the Lower Class—People who are consistently poor and seldom employed, residentially segregated, and relatively isolated from the rest of the population. Our Social Class more than any other single variable, affects almost all aspects of our lives.

Poverty The Poverty Line (Poverty Threshold)—the minimal income level that the federal government considers necessary for basic subsistence.The Poverty Line (Poverty Threshold)—the minimal income level that the federal government considers necessary for basic subsistence. Absolute Poverty—not having enough money to afford the basic necessities of life (what I need)Absolute Poverty—not having enough money to afford the basic necessities of life (what I need) Relative Poverty—not having enough money to maintain an average standard of living (what I want)Relative Poverty—not having enough money to maintain an average standard of living (what I want)

Social Mobility Social Mobility—movement up or down the social class hierarchySocial Mobility—movement up or down the social class hierarchy Intragenerational mobility—movement up or down the class hierarchy over one’s lifetimeIntragenerational mobility—movement up or down the class hierarchy over one’s lifetime Intergenerational mobility—movement up or down the class hierarchy relative to the position of one’s parentsIntergenerational mobility—movement up or down the class hierarchy relative to the position of one’s parents

Global Stratification Global Stratification—worldwide inequality patterns that results from differences in wealth, power, and prestige.Global Stratification—worldwide inequality patterns that results from differences in wealth, power, and prestige. In 2014, global wealth reached $263 trillionIn 2014, global wealth reached $263 trillion The richest 1% of the world’s adults own almost 50% of that wealthThe richest 1% of the world’s adults own almost 50% of that wealth The top 10% own 86% of the global wealthThe top 10% own 86% of the global wealth The richest 85 people in the world have as much wealth as the 3.5 billion poorest peopleThe richest 85 people in the world have as much wealth as the 3.5 billion poorest people

Sociological Explantions Functionalist---Fills social positions. Motivates people to succeed and ensures the most qualifies will fill the most important positionsFunctionalist---Fills social positions. Motivates people to succeed and ensures the most qualifies will fill the most important positions Conflict– Encourages worker exploitation. Promotes the interests of the rich and powerful. Ignores the talents of the poorConflict– Encourages worker exploitation. Promotes the interests of the rich and powerful. Ignores the talents of the poor Feminists—Requires most women to juggle domestic and employment responsibilities that impede upward mobilityFeminists—Requires most women to juggle domestic and employment responsibilities that impede upward mobility Symbolic Interactionists---Shapes stratification through socialization, group membership and everyday interaction. Reflects social class through products that signify social status.Symbolic Interactionists---Shapes stratification through socialization, group membership and everyday interaction. Reflects social class through products that signify social status.