1. Stratification and Institutions

2. Sociologists say cultural beliefs influence the structure of society Believe that culture shapes how roles are assigned & how resources are made available to society’s members How an individual moves from one social role to another is determined by society’s institutions & cultural beliefs Typically institutions are formed & roles created based on the way the economy is set-up & its political beliefs

3. Collectivist Society Community that values the group more than indy’s, indies needs are secondary to collective thought/action Typically less industrialized Society is segregated by classifications Fewer interactions w/ ppl of different groups Ppl are more involved/attached to members of their group Individualistic Society Community that values or believes in indy rights & freedoms to pursue own happiness more than group interests Typically industrialized Society is integrated Ppl interact w/ all groups & can shift/change groups

4. CollectiveIndividualistic Members…Are interdependent on one another Are guided by personal goals, indies valued & expressed by the groups joined Values…Belonging, modesty, conformity, uniformity, harmony, & cooperation Autonomy, competition, independence, freedom, & assertiveness Social behaviour Guided by norms, obligations, & duties Guided by personal attitudes, needs, & rights Individual & Communal Goals Are very similarAre not necessarily similar What type of society is Canada? Japan is considered an industrialized collective. How would education be different there?

5. Multiculturalism is the political & social belief that ethnic & cultural diversity is ideal Multiculturalism fosters the idea of social cohesion A way of integrating economic & social policies that allow citizens to interact easily The goal of multiculturalism is to eliminate social fragmentation The failure of society to fully integrate minority groups into mainstream culture Fragmentation creates alienation amongst some groups, which could lead to the disintegration of accepted social norms 2 nd ly, multiculturalism aims to socially integrate minority groups The process of bringing minority groups into mainstream culture so they can enjoy the same rights, opportunities, & services available to the majority

6. What do you want to be when you grow up? Notice how nobody said, unemployed, homeless, or poor That is b/c of social stratification It is the institutional & social processes that define certain types of occupations & goods as socially desirable These social elements are given great value & are governed by strict rules regarding their distribution IOW, some groups hold the means to attain power & prestige, and can deny it to others (can be explained by sociological SoTs)

7. Functionalists say the most qualified hold the most important positions & rewards them for it (financially). Inequality occurs b/c some jobs are more valued than others. Conflict Theorists say inequality exists b/c some ppl are willing to exploit others for personal gain, often through the use of force to achieve their goals. Symbolic Interactionist says children are socialized to believe a person’s social class is the result of their effort/talent & successful individuals are hard-working, whereas the unsuccessful are unmotivated and negative Which view makes the most sense to you?

8. Regardless of the social structure, indies attempt to achieve the goals they believe are possible given their talents, education, & skills Social status refers to the importance of the position a person holds in society (it can be achieved or ascribed) Achieved status is a position held based on accomplishments Ascribed status is a position determined by birth (indy has no control of it) Social Mobility refers to the process of changing status w/in a community It is more possible in an individualistic society & it is a motivator Meritocracy refers to a social system in which positions are given to ppl according to their abilities/worth

9. Sociologists study social inequality to explain differences b/w individuals, groups, and societies Social inequality is the inability of some ppl/success of others to attain access to privileges, rewards, or assets of society The chart below lists the conditions that create social inequality and lead to discrimination CharacteristicExplanation WealthAn individual’s family assets & material possessions that result in social respect & power in society OccupationThe level of prestige that is attached to a profession or job & the possibility of social mobility that job facilitates CredentialsBelonging to influential groups that create positive social opportunities & lead to increased social status EducationThe ability to complete a degree that will lead to elite roles & prestige in areas of business & academics

10. An institution does not necessarily mean a building, although schools, hospitals and prisons are apart of sociological institutions Social Institution is an organization or social framework whose function is to meet the basic needs of its members by providing direction & operating principles Goal is to satisfy individual needs & provide structure for the benefit of all society Example: Prison Is both a physical institution & a social institution (part of gov’t) Responsible for maintaining public order

11. What would a functionalist say about social institutions? Purpose: to meet the needs of its members Actuality: essential for social living & they model the social norms & provide positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviour What would a conflict theorists say about social institutions? Purpose: meet the needs of its members Actuality: SI’s are roadblocks preventing marginalized groups from gaining equal access to resources b/c the wealthy control their operation & access to them Speculate, What might a sociological feminist say about SI’s?

12. Institution/BeliefsRepresentativesNeeds Served Family Respect, nurturance, support, loyalty, knowledge Father, mother, siblings, etc Nuclear family, extended family, adoptive parents, etc Socializes children Reproduction Perpetuates marriage Self-concept/self-esteem Religion Education Government Economy You will complete the above chart w/ a partner(s) after the lesson