Almost every society in the history of the world has separated its members on the basis of certain characteristics. Ascribed: Ancestry Race Age Physical appearance Gender Etc. Achieved: Education Occupation Stratification in Ancient Egypt … …and in Mayan Culture

Closed Systems: movement between the strata is impossible. Assigned status at birth and remain there throughout life. Open Systems: movement between strata is possible. Closed systems Transitional Systems Open system s (USA) upper lower upper middle lower upper middle lower

Scarce resources and social rewards are distributed on the basis of ascribed status. Determined by ones parents. Indian Caste System. For more information on caste systems please refer to pp in text.

The distribution of scarce resources and rewards is determined on the basis of achieved statuses. With talent, effort, and opportunity, individuals can move up the social class ladder. (The opposite is also true).

Social Class is a grouping of people with similar levels of wealth, power, and prestige. Wealth: is made up of one’s assets. In the U.S., wealth is concentrated in the hands of a small minority of the population. See Chart p. 208 in text The richest 1% of the population controls more than one third of the country’s wealth.

The ability to control the behavior of others, with or without their consent. Can be based on force, a special skill, knowledge, a status (rational –legal authority), personal characteristics (charismatic authority), or custom and tradition (traditional authority). Case Study p.106, old text, read aloud in class.

The respect, honor, recognition, or courtesy an individual receives from other members of society. In the U.S. occupation tends to be most important in determining prestige. Chart p.209 in textbook.

Functionalist Theory: Necessary feature, must perform certain roles to maintain order. The more important the role, the greater the reward. Critics say: not everyone has equal access to education, some rewards do not reflect the social value of the role (Actors and athletes with huge salaries). $127,902,706 in 2007, in 2010 (after his “issues”) still the top paid athlete at only $110 Million/year. U2, $130 million AC/DC, $114 million Beyonce Knowles, $87 million Bruce Springsteen, $70 million Britney Spears, $64 million Jay-Z, $63 million Lady Gaga, $62 million Madonna, $58 million Kenny Chesney, $50 million Black Eyed Peas / Cold Play / Toby Keith, $48 million Between June 2009 and June 2010, Johnny Depp pulled in $75 million, Sandra Bullock $56 million, not too shabby. Conflict Theory: Competition over scarce resources is the cause of social inequality. Critics say: not everyone is suited for every position in the social structure. Balance?