Social Stratification in Contemporary Societies: Class, Caste and Race Chapter 13 Social Stratification in Contemporary Societies: Class, Caste and Race

Chapter Questions How do anthropologists explain social stratification? What are some differences among class-, caste- , and racially stratified societies?

Chapter Questions What are some characteristics of the social stratification system in the United States, and how does it affect the lives and lifestyles of individuals and groups? How has anthropology contributed to antiracism in the United States? What are some similarities and differences between the racial stratification systems of brazil and the United States?

Dimensions of Stratification Power—control resources in one’s own interest. Wealth—accumulation of material resources or access to the means of producing these resources. Prestige—social honor or respect.

Ascribed Vs. Achieved Status Ascribed Status Social position into which a person is born. (sex, race, kinship group) Achieved Status Social position that a person chooses or achieves. (professor, criminal, artist)

Social Class in the United States Status depends on occupation, education, and lifestyle. “The American Dream,” is based on the democratic principle of equality and opportunity for all. Social class in the United States correlates with attitudinal, behavioral, and lifestyle differences.

Caste System System of stratification based on birth. Movement from one caste to another is not possible. Castes are hereditary, endogamous, ranked in relation to one another and usually associated with a traditional occupation.

Hindu Caste System Four caste categories Brahmins - priests and scholars Kshatriyas - ruling and warrior caste Vaisyas - the merchants Shudras - menial workers and artisans Harijans – “untouchables”

U.S. Racial Stratification Systems Race is constructed on the basis of skin color and presumed ancestry. Divides people into “blacks” and “whites” ignoring the reality of the skin color spectrum. By the 20th century, the system of race in the American south was very similar to the caste system in India.

Race Stratification in the U.S. and Brazil Two largest multiracial societies in the Americas. In both societies the legacy of slavery continues in the form of racial inequality. Brazil: 45% of nonwhite families and 25% of white families live below the poverty line. U.S.: 30% of nonwhite families and 8% of white families live below the poverty line.