Part III – Structures of Power Chapter 8: Stratification, Class and Inequality Lecture #8

Systems of Stratification “We are different.” Variables Race Gender Age etc.

Systems of Stratification “We are not just different, but also ranked.” Social inequality

Systems of Stratification Social stratification The existence of “structured inequalities” b/w different groupings of people (p.216) “We are stratified.” We are evaluated and then ranked at a number of levels. Geographers → layers of the earth Sociologists → layers of groups and societies

Systems of Stratification Social stratification “We are stratified.” We are evaluated and then ranked at a number of levels. Geographers → layers of the earth Sociologists → layers of groups and societies

Systems of Stratification The study of social stratification is important, because… 1. Social inequality, a consequence of social stratification, has considerable influence on people’s “life chances.” Life chances opportunities people will have or be denied throughout life, such as for achieving economic prosperity.

Systems of Stratification Titanic

Systems of Stratification 2. Class positions have influence on people’s social behaviors.

Systems of Stratification “How are we stratified?” -Slavery -Caste -Estate

Systems of Stratification “How are we stratified?” (Social) Class “A large group of people who occupy a similar economic position in the wider society.” (p.219) -“Large-scale” -“Economically-based” -“achieved” -“open” (“fluid”)

What social class do you belong to? Objective -Source/level of Income -Wealth -Occupation -Educational attainment

What social class do you belong to? Subjective “Class consciousness” An awareness of one’s position or class in society and of the circumstances, interests and concerns that a given class has in common.

System of Stratification Is the United States a middle-class, or “classless” society?

Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality “Why are we stratified?” -Functionalism -Conflict Theory Karl Marx Max Weber

Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality “Why are we stratified?” Functionalism Davis and Moore (1945) Social stratification and social inequality are “functional,” and thus “beneficial” to society in terms of its smooth and effective operation. Stratification and inequality are source of social order.

Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality “Why are we stratified?” Conflict theorists “Functional” and “beneficial” to whom?

Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality “Why are we stratified?” Conflict theorists A reflection of the unequal distribution of power in society and as a primary source of conflict and coercion. Stratification serves the interests of groups of people at the top.

Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality “Why are we stratified?” Karl Marx 1818 –1883

Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality “Why are we stratified?” Karl Marx -ownership of “means of production” -the ability to purchase and control the labor of others. ↓ On the basis of these criteria, societies are divided into… “Bourgeoisie(or Capitalists)” “Proletariat(or Workers)”

Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality “Why are we stratified?” Karl Marx Bourgeoisie, who owns “means of production,” can control Proletariat’s livelihoods. The rich tend to get richer, to use their wealth to create more wealth for themselves, and to act in ways that will protect their interests and positions in society. Workers are “exploited.”

Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality “Why are we stratified?” Karl Marx Those in power have access to the means necessary to create and promote a reality that justifies their exploitative actions. “False (class) consciousness”

Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality “Why are we stratified?” Max Weber 1864 – 1920

Sociological Theories of Stratification/Inequality “Why are we stratified?” Max Weber -Status “the differences between groups in the social honor, or prestige, which are accorded by others.” (p.254) Class/Status Closely related; the one does not determine the other. Class: objective; economically-based Status: subjective; life styles