1. Social Mobility

2. What is Social Stratification?
Social stratification is “...the division of society into levels, steps or positions”
Stratification is, in essence, the structured inequality of entire categories of people
Stratification is different than mere inequality, which refers to the uneven distribution of opportunities and rewards to individuals and groups.
When these inequalities becomes structured into society and passed on from generation to generation, we have social stratification

3. Social Mobility
Social mobility refers to the movement of persons or groups from one social stratum to another
Social mobility is more possible in open societies which provide greater opportunities for mobility, than in closed societies which fixes one’s position at birth
Sociologists distinguish between several types of mobility

4. Types of Social Mobility
Direction of Movement
Across
Up or Down
Horizontal Mobility
Vertical Mobility
Time Frame for Mobility
Single Generation
Two or More Generations
Intra-generational Mobility
Inter-generational Mobility

5. Factors Affecting Social Mobility
Sociologists have identified several structural-level factors which impact the likelihood of social mobility
Economic Conditions
Chance
Population: Number of people in the workforce
Education
Openness of society

6. Absolute and Relative Mobility
Absolute Mobility
Is defined as the overall numbers of individuals from specific origins reaching particular class locations and is expressed as a percentage.
E.G. between 1950 and % of working class boys had reached middle class locations
Between 1945 and 1980 there was significant absolute mobility in British society – can you think of any reasons why
Relative mobility
Refers to the relative chances of mobility from particular classes across generations – by using relative mobility data it is possible to assess whether society is becoming more or less open
Since 1980 the relative chances of mobility (compared to previous generations) has slowed down – can you think of any reasons why?

7. Types of Stratification Systems
Caste systems are very rigid, closed systems of stratification based on ascribed characteristics such as skin color or family identity
Estate systems are also closed systems based largely on inheritance
Class systems are open systems that permit meaningful social mobility

8. Dimensions of Social Stratification
Wealth—the economic assets of an individual, including income, monetary assets and other holdings
Power—the ability to attain goals and maintain influence over others, even in the absence of their consent
Prestige—the approval and respect received from other members of society

9. Theories of Stratification: Functionalist Theory
You will remember that functionalist theory understands society as a “system” or “organism”
As functionalists, Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore contended that stratification was a necessity for society because:
Society has numerous positions that must be fulfilled if it is to function properly
Some positions, however are more important for the maintenance of society (e.g., physicians)
Finally, some positions require special talents that are not generally prevalent in the population
Hence, functionally important positions and/or positions requiring rare talent are rewarded most highly

10. Criticisms of Functional Theory
Are highly rewarded roles really functional?
Critics question the functional importance of certain highly rewarded positions such as actors and sports figures, in contrast to positions such as school teachers or social workers
The Stratification System itself Inhibits Talent and Abilities
Many barriers are placed in the way of individuals from lower classes to keep them from competing effectively

11. Theories of Stratification: Marxist Conflict Theory
Suggests that social stratification is determined by the relations of production
bourgeoisie--capitalists who own the means of production
proletariat--wage laborers who sell their labor to bourgeoisie
Interests of these two classes are intrinsically opposed
Power of the capitalists allows them to impose their will and realize their interests
According to Marx, the proletariat will eventually develop a class consciousness, and ultimately overthrow the capitalists

12. Comparing Functional and Conflict Theories
Functional Theory
Marxist Theory
Stratification is universal, necessary and inevitable
Stratification is universal, but not necessary or inevitable
The social system shapes the stratification system
The stratification system shapes the social system
Stratification arises from societal need for integration and coordination
Stratification arises from group competition and conflict
Stratification facilitates the optimal functioning of society
Stratification impedes the optimal functioning of society
Stratification is an expression of commonly shared social values
Stratification is an expression of the values of powerful groups
Power is distributed legitimately in society
Power is distributed illegitimately in society
Tasks and rewards are allocated equitably
Tasks and rewards are not allocated equitably
The economic dimension is subordinate to other dimensions of society
The economic dimension is paramount in society
Stratification systems generally change through evolution
Stratification systems change through revolution

13. Revision Questions
What is the difference between inequality and stratification?
How can “social mobility” be defined?
What factors affect social mobility?
What type of stratification system allows for stratification?
What are the three dimensions of social stratification?
How do functionalists view stratification?
How can functionalism be criticised?
How do Marxists view stratification?
Why was there significant absolute mobility ?
Why have the current generations chances of social mobility (relative mobility) declined since 1980?