Systems of Stratification

BASIC DEFINITIONS:  SOCIAL STRATIFICATION - refers to the division of society into categories, ranks or classes.  SOCIAL INEQUALITY- the unequal sharing of a society’s scarce resources and social rewards.  CLOSED vs. OPEN social class systems – the key here is mobility…are you able to move between status levels or not? If yes – it is an open system; if no - it is a closed system.

Stratification continuum…  CASTE vs. CLASS… ______________________________________ Caste systems Class systems (most closed) (most open “mobile”) Status assigned at Degree of openness Birth & is life- may vary but people long. have mobility & can move up or down in status. brief history modern caste impact

Caste – the ultimate “closed” system  Caste – Status was inherited; marriage between groups was forbidden (called “exogamy” – allowing marriage within social classes is called “endogamy”);  Caste developed in South Asia over 3,000 yrs. Ago. Its rules & practices are closely tied into the religion of Hinduism. For that reason, although caste was outlawed at independence in the 1950’s, caste practices, prejudices & discrimination are still found in India today.

Class systems…  Class systems usually range from open to very open, depending on the society. In class systems the distribution of resources & rewards is usually determined by achieved status. Talent, effort & opportunity allow one to move up the social ladder; lack of those things will keep you lower on the social ladder.  Sociologists define classes differently…Karl Marx believed the ruling class (bourgeoisie) held the power (the “means of production” – refers to those who own the capacity to produce goods/svcs.) & the working class (proletariat) were at their mercy.

Weber’s classes…  Sociologist Max Weber defined social class differently – stating that wealth, power & prestige are the main identifiers of social class.  WEALTH: your assets – the value of all that you own – determine your wealth. In the US the richest 1% controls more than 1/3 of the total wealth of the nation.  POWER: not surprisingly, those with the most wealth typically have the most power (ability to control the behavior of others).  PRESTIGE: the respect, honor, recognition you receive from other members of society. Can be based on income, occupation, family, possessions, club memberships, etc. In the US occupation tends to be the greatest determiner of prestige.

Socioeconomic status  This is used to rank people in a society according to wealth, power and prestige. It is a rating that combines social factors including educational level, occupational prestige, place of residence and income. These combined factors may determine your position in a socioeconomic stratification system.  Forbes Billionaires List Forbes Billionaires List  Best jobs 2013 US News Best jobs 2013 US News  prestigious jobs (low pay) prestigious jobs (low pay)

FUNCTIONALIST THEORY  They see stratification as necessary & assumes certain roles must be performed if the social system is to be maintained. Rewards are important to keeping roles fulfilled and the system going - & the most needed roles (doctors, politicians) come with the greatest rewards ($$, power, prestige).  WEAKNESSES: not everyone has equal access to what is needed to succeed (Ex: education) and rewards don’t always = the social value of the role.  actors & athletes inequalities in education actors & athletesinequalities in education

CONFLICT THEORY…  These theorists say that stratification comes from class exploitation. The wealthiest/most powerful people control the rest of society in order to maintain their places at the top. This leads to much conflict between classes.  WEAKNESS: failure to recognize that unequal rewards are based on differences in talent, skill & desire. Not everyone is suited for every position in the social system. Rewards are needed to fill all roles needed by society.

Synthesizing the theories  Because each of the previous theories have their shortcomings, some sociologists have tried to blend the two. For example, Functionalist theory helps explain why people are willing to spend years training to become doctors; Conflict theory helps to explain why the children of wealthy parents go to the best colleges. Both theories are useful, depending upon which aspect of stratification you are trying to study.

Additional thoughts on open systems…  Marrying up  -E&list=PLC6D871A2A8C3C8EF&index=3 -E&list=PLC6D871A2A8C3C8EF&index=3  Joe Queenan on choices & class  uI&list=PLC6D871A2A8C3C8EF&index=2 uI&list=PLC6D871A2A8C3C8EF&index=2