Sociology: Stratification, Inequality, and Social Class Principles

Chapter 9: Stratification & Inequality ===

Social Stratification

System ranking people hierarchically by class, power, prestige.

Four Principles of Stratification

Trait of society, persists over generations, universal but variable, supported by beliefs.

Caste vs Class System

Caste = by birth (closed); Class = by birth and achievement (open).

Meritocracy

System based on personal ability and effort.

Status Consistency

Uniformity of a person's social position across dimensions.

Davis-Moore Thesis

Inequality is functional—rewards motivate important roles.

Karl Marx

Conflict between bourgeoisie (owners) and proletariat (workers).

Max Weber (Stratification)

Three dimensions: Class, Status, Power.

SES (Socioeconomic Status)

Composite ranking based on income, education, occupation.

Income vs Wealth

Income = earnings; Wealth = assets minus debts.

Who are the Poor?

Children, women, minorities, urban and rural poor.

Relative vs Absolute Poverty

Relative = poor compared to others; Absolute = life-threatening deprivation.

Blame the Poor vs Blame Society

Individual fault vs structural inequality (William Julius Wilson).

Conservative vs Progressive Views

Conservatives = personal responsibility; Progressives = structural inequality.