Chapter 10, Social Stratification Key terms

social differentiation The process by which different statuses in any group, organization or society develop. statuses Refers to a socially defined position in a group or society.

social stratification The fixed, hierarchical arrangements of status differences by which groups have different access to power, resources, and perceived social worth. estate systems Ownership of property and exercise of power is monopolized by an elite who have total control over societal resources.

caste system Rigid hierarchy of classes, often preserved through formal law and cultural practices that present free association and movement between classes. class system Status is partially achieved and there is some potential for movement from one class to another.

social class The social structural position a group holds relative to the economic, social, political, and cultural resources of society. life chances The opportunities that people have in common by virtue of belonging to a particular class.

means of production System by which goods are produced and distributed. status attainment The process by which people end up in a given position in the stratification process.

socioeconomic status (SES) Derived from income, occupational prestige, and education. median income Midpoint of all household incomes.

occupational prestige Refers to the subjective evaluation people tie to jobs. educational attainment. Total years of formal education.

wealth Monetary value of everything one owns. Income Amount of money brought into a household from various sources.

class consciousness Perception that a class structure exists and the feeling of shared identification with others in one's class. false consciousness Class-consciousness of subordinate classes who have internalized the view of the dominant class.

social mobility A person's movement over time from one class to another. poverty line The amount of money needed to support the basic needs of a household, as determined by the government.

feminization of poverty Increasing proportion of the poor who are women and children. culture of poverty Contends that poverty is its own cause.