2. Mind’s On – Video Discussion

3. Social Stratification

4. What Is It?
Structured system of inequality in society
Ranks people in society according to a hierarchy
Leads to unequal distribution of rewards according to:
Race
Class
Gender
Ethnicity
Age

5. Systems of Social Stratification
Sociologists use two standards to describe social stratification:
Closed System:
Allows for little change in social position
Ascribed status
Open System:
Permit flexibility and opportunity
Achieved status
Allow for social mobility

6. Class System in Canada In Canada, we are divided into social classes
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)
We also hold belief in the idea of meritocracy (we earn rewards through personal effort)
Does everyone truly have equal opportunity?
Do you agree Canada is a meritocracy?

7. Class Structure in Canada
Upper Class
High wealth (often inherited)
3-5% of the population
See stats on wealthiest families (pg. 169)
Middle Class
Largest social class in Canada
40-50% in the middle class
“White collar” workers, especially the upper middle class (family incomes of $50,000-$100,000)
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

8. Textbooks! Read pg. 162-165 and in your notes define: Achieved Status
Ascribed Status
Social Mobility
Horizontal Mobility
Vertical Mobility
Intergenerational Mobility
Intragenerational Mobility
Read pg and answer the questions

9. Wrap Up – Connect the Ideas
Simple! On the Post It you’ve been given answer these two questions:
What would the Neo-Marxist think of all this?
How would a Cultural Materialist compare Canada to a less developed part of the world in regards to stratification?