Stratification 9.1

Terms Social Stratification Social Inequality Caste System Class System Bourgeoisie Proletariat Social Class Wealth Power Prestige Socioeconomic Status [SES]

Social Stratification Separating the members of a society on the basis of certain characteristics. Characteristics: Achieved Education, Occupation Ascribed Ancestry, race, age, physical appearance, gender

Social Inequality The unequal sharing of scarce resources and social rewards. Caused by divisions in society based on individual characteristics, abilities, and behaviors.

Stratification Systems Two Types Caste System Class System

Caste System Scarce resources and social rewards are distributed on the basis of ascribed statuses. A newborn child’s lifelong status, or caste, is determined by the status of his or her parents. Very rarely does one move into another caste or higher status.

Class System Distribution of scarce resources and rewards is determined on the basis of achieved statuses. Karl Marx – Bourgeoisie & Proletariat Max Weber – Property, Prestige, Power

Social Class According to Weber A grouping of people with similar levels of wealth, power, and prestige. (3 Types) Many sociologists accept Weber’s view of social stratification.

Wealth Is made up of his or her: Assets Income The value of everything the person owns Income Money earned through salaries, investments, or other capital gains.

Wealth Statistics The richest 1% of the population controls more than 1/3 of the countries wealth. 4/5 of the countries assets are in the hands of the richest 1/5. CEO ratio to production worker 1:419

Power The ability to control the behavior of others, with or without their consent. Can be based on force, the possession of a special skill, type of knowledge, particular social status, personal characteristics, or custom and tradition.

Prestige Is the respect, honor, recognition, or courtesy an individual receives from other members of society. Can be based on: Income Education Family background Neighborhood Possessions

Socioeconomic Status This is a rating that combines social factors such as: Educational level Occupational prestige Place of residence with the economic factor of income These combined factors are then used to determine an individuals relative position in the stratification system. SES is an important measurement tool for sociologists.

“Frank the Tank”