Sociological Perspectives on Social Class and Stratification

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to social class and stratification systems, including different types of stratification, forms of capital, social mobility, the American Dream, and the functionalist and conflict theory perspectives.

Stratification System

A system that divides people into layers or strata based on their access to certain resources.

Social Strata

Divisions or layers within a social hierarchy, often based on socioeconomic status, power, or prestige.

Slavery System

The oldest form of stratification where individuals are owned as property, often a result of military defeat or capture; modern forms include forced labor and sex trafficking.

Caste System

A very rigid system of stratification where social status is ascribed at birth and is difficult or impossible to change, often supported by religion.

Dalits (Untouchables)

A group within the caste system, particularly in India, who were historically perceived as 'unclean' and faced severe discrimination due to their ascribed low status.

Estate System

A system of stratification popular under feudalism, determined by land ownership and inherited power. While change was possible, it was very rare.

Social Class System

A system of stratification based on economic status, wealth, and other forms of capital; unlike more rigid systems, social mobility is theoretically possible but often difficult.

Economic Capital

An individual's money and material wealth, which determines their social position according to Marxist ideas.

Social Capital

The networks and connections an individual has that can help them achieve a better social position.

Cultural Capital

An individual's education and knowledge, which can be valued by society and grant prestige, thereby influencing social position.

Social Mobility

The ability to move from one social class to another, which is theoretically possible but often very challenging in systems like the social class system.

American Dream

A concept often associated with achieving a better life, financial security, and opportunities through hard work; it can encompass both materialistic and non-materialistic aspirations like freedom and liberation.

Structural Functionalism (on stratification)

A sociological perspective that views social stratification as essential and normal for the proper functioning and survival of any society, contributing to social equilibrium by rewarding skilled individuals and ensuring important roles are filled.

Functionalist View of Poverty

The perspective that poverty serves specific functions for society, such as providing a labor force for 'dirty work', creating employment opportunities (e.g., social workers), establishing markets for low-quality goods, and serving as a deterrent or example to encourage the non-poor to work harder.

Conflict Theory (on inequality)

A perspective that critiques functionalism's emphasis on stability, arguing that sociologists should focus on the underlying inequalities and injustices that create poverty and social divisions, rather than merely accepting them as functional.