Social Stratification

How are people ranked in social stratification

By means of power

wealth

status

Why does social stratification happen?

Because of the unequal distribution of resources

What are the 2 types of stratification systems

1. closed

2. open

What are closed system

• People normally remain in the same social position throughout their lives.

• Positions are largely ascribed - fixed at birth - with little room for change of status.

Examples of closed systems

• Caste - India

• estate - Europe

• Apartheid systems—in South Africa

• Plantation Slavery– Caribbean and the USA

• Race- USA

Features of the cast system

• Hierarchy

• endogamy

• food and drink

• Segmentary Division

• idea of pollution

Open Stratification Systems

Provide a relatively high rate of social mobility.  Positions are largely achieved - earned – with room for change of status

What is the class system based on

income and wealth

what is the class system

A product of the Industrial Revolution and was first described by Marx in light of two categories: bourgeoisie and proletariat

What is ascribed status

Ascribed status is a social status that is acquired at birth. It cannot be changed and it is not voluntarily accepted

Achieved Status

✓  Achieved status is based on achievements, efforts and skills. This can change over time as people can lose their achievements or gain further achievements.

Social Mobility

Movement of an individual from one group to another in society.

Avenues of Social Mobility

Education

marriage

family status

talent and skills

physical attributes

Class, Status and Social Mobility in Jamaica

Derek Gordon

Status and Power in Rural Jamaica: A Study of Educational and Political Change

Nancy Foner

Weber and stratification

Weber saw social stratification as a multi-dimensional phenomenon

Functionalists perspective

Order and stability

Max Weber-Interpretive Perspective

Stratification is a struggle for scarce resources

wealth

power

status

What did max weber believe about S.S

  He believes that stratification is not only based on class but also has a status and power 

What did MARX Believe about S.S

Marx thought the revolution would eliminate social stratification; Weber did not see stratification as disappearing.

Contemporary Stratification Systems

✓  Social and economic stratification

✓  Gender stratification

✓  Racial/Ethnic stratification

✓  Religious stratification 

✓  Age stratification

✓  Other types include disability, sexual orientation, language, dialect and nationalities.