Inequality

Social Stratification Social scientists study social stratification Structured system of inequality in society Ranks people in society according to a hierarchy Leads to unequal distribution of rewards Race Class Gender Ethnicity age

Systems of Social Stratification Sociologists use two standards to describe social stratification Closed system Allows for little change in social position Ascribed status Eg. Caste system (read p. 164) Open system Permit flexibility and opportunity Achieved status Allow for social mobility Eg. Class system

Class System in Canada In Canada, we are divided into social class segment of society who share values, norms, lifestyle, education, and type of work Can also be influenced by an ascribed status (gender, race and age)

Meritocracy Belief in the idea of meritocracy (we earn rewards through personal effort) Everyone has equal opportunity Do you agree Canada is a meritocracy???

Class Structure Upper Class Middle Class Working Class Lower Class High wealth (often inherited) 3-5% of the population See stats on wealthiest families (figure 5-13) Middle Class Largest social class in Canada 40-50% in the middle class “White collar” workers Tremendous influence on trends in culture Eg. TV shows focus on middle class families Commerical ads directed to MC Working Class 30 % of the population Typically “blue collar” workers Lower Class 15-20% of population Very low income Sometimes supported by welfare Often limited because of disability, lack of training, age or familial responsibility Unable to acquire same goods and services as other classes