Social Inequality Unit 3

Social Stratification Chapter 8

https://www.polleverywhere.com/free_text_polls/xtJWdSI1gp7491l

How do you define being poor?

Types of Stratification Social stratification- division of society into categories, ranks, & classes Stratification part of nearly all societies; vary among society Ascribed status Achieved Status Talent Social inequality- unequal sharing of scarce resource; also varies among societies The Caste System- closed system, movement impossible Open Systems: Class System- open & more fluid movement

Class Divide (40 min) In the video you will see two school settings in Britain: one elite school, one average working class Compare the experiences of the two groups of students. What are each group’s expectations? What are their experiences living in the other’s shoes? How do the British schools compare to American schools?

Caste System (5:37) Resources distributed by class, based on ascribed status Effort & talent have little impact on class distinction Status inherited Specific norms dictate system Prohibit exogamy- marriage outside of social class Developed over 3,000 years ago Abolished in 1950 Difficult to dismantle In larger cities caste is ending rural areas still practiced

Class System Distribution of resources and rewards based on achieved status Individuals have some level of control over movement Movement can be both upwards & downwards Karl Marx: Conflict Theory Bourgeoisie- Control & own means of production Receives benefits of production (profits) Proletariat- Sell their labor Does the “hard work”

Dimensions of Social Stratification Max Weber- expands on Marx’s theory; suggests class consists of 3 factors Property Prestige Power Many sociologists agree with Weber’s theory Social class- grouping of people with similar levels of wealth, power, and prestige

Social Stratification Wealth- Consists of a person’s assets; the value of everything a person owns including income US: controlled by minority of the population; wealthiest 1% controls 1/3 of country’s wealth Top 1% also earned 21+% of the nation’s income Growing income gap? Power Usually comes with wealth, special skill, talent, knowledge Ability to control others Ex: The Voice Prestige Respect, honor, recognition & courtesy received from others Characteristics society thinks important Occupation considered among prestige & higher levels of education

Social Rankings Socioeconomic Status- SES; used by sociologists to determine social standing Consider educational level Occupational prestige Place of residence Look on the back of your worksheet. Rank the listed occupations based on how you feel they should be ranked

Stratification: Functionalists Stratification necessary Certain roles in society must be performed for society to be maintained Higher rewards to ensure fulfillment Variation to rewards ensure that all jobs filled Weakness with theory: Not everyone has equal access to education Higher rewards= more important jobs…. Where does that put trash collectors?

Stratification: Conflict Competition over scare resources = social inequality Groups within society compete for these resources In power group will set the rules to its advantage Weakness: Doesn’t recognize that unequal rewards are based on skill, talent & drive Not everyone suited for every pattern in social structure Ex: is everyone going to be successful in college? Is a college degree a guarantee of a higher income?

Determining Class in America US fairly open class system; anti discrimination laws encourage open movement In theory, Americans have equal access to resources for social advancement But US has wide range of social classes; but mobility not equal Houses from the Gilded Age: One of John J. Astor’s mansions Vs a Tenement House in NYC

US Class System Possible bias??? Most sociologist agree there is a 6 class system Upper class Upper middle class Lower middle class Working class Working poor underclass Three techniques to determine: Reputational method: individuals are asked to determine other’s social rank Subjective method: individuals determine their own rank Objective method: sociologists determine rank based on income, occupation & education Possible bias???

Social Mobility Social mobility- the movement between or within social classes; can be horizontal or vertical Horizontal mobility Vertical mobility Intergenerational mobility- status change between generations within a family Majority of Americans tend to reach a higher occupation status than their parent, but tend to remain in the same social class Sociologists focus on what causes the changes in social mobility Technology Merchandising Level of education economy

Social Mobility The movement between or within social classes Horizontal- movement within a class system (change jobs/careers, income the same) Vertical- rewards & gains that push person up a social class (Bill Gates) Intragenerational mobility- changes in social position during person’s life Intergenerational mobility- status differences between generations in the same family US people are “free” to reach their own particular level of achievement Sociologists study the causes of social status change Increase in education Advances in technology Changes in merchandising

Upper Class Small segment of the population, but controls much of country’s wealth “old money”: Rockefellers, Vanderbilt's, Kennedys Wealth continues for generations Life revolves around the best schools & lifestyles “new money”: Acquired wealth thru own gains Less prestigious Looked down upon by the old money class All part of a segment of society that carries power & influence “I Wanna Be Rich”- Calloway “Money For Nothing- Dire Straits

Middle Class Wedding Singer Upper Middle Class: high income earners- business professionals, college educated Live in large houses, expensive cars, yearly vacations Politically & socially active Influence is limited to the community Lower Middle Class: white collar jobs, not manual labor Require less labor Middle management & small business owners Comfortable living- bills are paid, life is good” The Working Class- factory workers & tradesmen; blue collar work Some jobs pay more than those in lower middle class (specialized labor: plumbers) Pink collar- “women's work” clerical Few financial recourses Material World

Lower Classes Working Poor: lowest paying jobs, temporary & seasonal Rarely make a living wage High school drop outs Future prospects limited The Underclass: families experience unemployment & poverty over several generations Some work, but steady employment struggle Rely on public assistance Life is a day to day struggle Only 50% of children make it to a higher class Mr. Magoo Christmas Carol: Cratchit family being thankful for what they have

Poverty 37 million people= 13% of the population live below poverty level Millions others whose incomes are above poverty level, but still struggle to get by Poverty- standard of living that is below the minimum level considered adequate Relative measure- what it means to be poor in US different in other countries Poverty level is calculated by figuring how much it costs to provide an adequate diet Amount multiplied by 3 as 1/3 of income spent on food Adjusted yearly Debated over accuracy as that formula made in the 1960s Should dollar amount include new modern necessities? Ex: 100 yrs ago electricity & water were luxuries; now necessities Cell phones, internet….?

Variations on American Poverty Age, gender, race & ethnicity play a factor Children under 18 = 33% of those living in poverty African American & Hispanic children greater number 57% are women, head ½ of poor households

Effects of Poverty Life Chances- likelihood that individuals have of sharing in benefits & opportunities of society Vary by social class Lower classes have fewer opportunities Increased health problems for lower classes; less likely to see a doctor Shorter life expectancy Inadequate nutrition (teens in Great Depression; US struggled with WWII draft numbers) Too expensive to go to doctor Work in high risk injury jobs Educational opportunities are also limited- area schools poorly funded; students struggle to balance job & school Increase in crime

30 days minimum wage Psychology- emotions in your brain