1. Inequality

2. Social Stratification
Social scientists study social stratification
Structured system of inequality in society
Ranks people in society according to a hierarchy
Leads to unequal distribution of rewards
Race
Class
Gender
Ethnicity
age

3. Systems of Social Stratification
Sociologists use two standards to describe social stratification
Closed system
Allows for little change in social position
Ascribed status
Eg. Caste system (read p. 164)
Open system
Permit flexibility and opportunity
Achieved status
Allow for social mobility
Eg. Class system

4. Class System in Canada In Canada, we are divided into social class
segment of society who share values, norms, lifestyle, education, and type of work
Can also be influenced by an ascribed status (gender, race and age)

5. Meritocracy
Belief in the idea of meritocracy (we earn rewards through personal effort)
Everyone has equal opportunity
Do you agree Canada is a meritocracy???

6. Class Structure Upper Class Middle Class Working Class Lower Class
High wealth (often inherited)
3-5% of the population
See stats on wealthiest families (figure 5-13)
Middle Class
Largest social class in Canada
40-50% in the middle class
“White collar” workers
Tremendous influence on trends in culture
Eg. TV shows focus on middle class families
Commerical ads directed to MC
Working Class
30 % of the population
Typically “blue collar” workers
Lower Class
15-20% of population
Very low income
Sometimes supported by welfare
Often limited because of disability, lack of training, age or familial responsibility
Unable to acquire same goods and services as other classes