Behavioral Sciences 12: Social Stratification

Social Stratification

The system by which society ranks categories of people into a hierarchy.

Functionalism

States that social stratification is necessary and results from the need for those with special intelligence, knowledge, and skills to be a part of the most important professions and occupations. A harmonious equilibrium.

Socioeconomic Status

Ascribed Status: Involuntary, derives from clearly identifiable characteristics such as age and gender. Achieved Status: Acquired through direct, individual efforts.

Social Class

A category of people with shared socioeconomic characteristics.

Prestige

Respect and importance tied to specific occupations or associations.

Power

The capacity to influence people.

Anomie

Lack of social norms, or the breakdown of social bonds between individuals and society.

Strain Theory

Focuses on how anomic conditions can lead to deviance, and in turn reinforce social stratification.

Social Capital

Benefits provided by social networks. Or, the investment people make in their society in return for rewards.

Meritocracy

Advancement up the social ladder is based on intellectual talent and achievement.

Social Mobility

Allows one to acquire higher-level employment opportunities by achieving required credentials and experience.

Poverty

In the USA, the poverty line is determined by the government's calculation of minimum income required for necessities of life.

Absolute Poverty

When one can't acquire basic life necessities.

Relative Poverty

When one is poor in comparison to a larger population. Ex: "Anyone who earns less than 60% of median income is poor."

Relative Deprivation Theory

People seek to acquire something that others possess and which they believe they should have too. They are not necessarily poor, but they may perceive that they are lacking resources or money. It is all relative.

Social Reproduction

The passing on of social inequality, especially poverty, from one generation to next.

Social Exclusion

A sense of powerlessness when individuals feel alienated from society.

Globalization

Integrating one’s economy to include foreign societies. Has led to increased poverty as production shifts to cheaper labor markets.

Incidence

Number of new cases of a disease per population at risk.

Prevalence

Number of cases of a disease per population.

Ethnic Migrants

Ethnic groups emigrating to move industrialized countries tend to have higher fertility and higher overall mortality compared to the industrialized nation population.

Mortality

Deaths causes by a given disease.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Attempts to increase health insurance coverage rates and reduce cost of health care.

Medicare

Covers people greater than 65, those with end-stage renal (kidney) disease, and those with ALS.

Medicaid

Covers patient in significant financial need.