sociology exam 3 skylar

Strata

layers of separations between things

Inequality

unequal distribution of resources Exists in all societies

Social Differentiation

refers to the level of variation within a population Functionalists argued that this would increase as the population increased

Social stratification

refers to the categorization of groups by their resources a person's position in the stratification system influences every part of his or her life

Socialized into it

How do social stratification systems exists?

As societies differentiate they create structures that are often, if not always unequal to some degree Interactions -> customs(think norms/folkways) -> culture -> structure that reflects existing resource distributions

Populations increases social expansion and differentiation (SPENCER!) which leads to evolution

Lenski argues that technology drives social evolution and creates surplus / inequality

Societal complexity

changes how society is held together

those in which individuals frequently interact in many different contexts with many different individuals, and often repeatedly interact with many of the same individuals over time.

relates to the number of interacting individuals, the different types (social roles) of those individuals and the nature and diversity of interactions among those individuals.

Simple societies

are held together by sameness bc there is low dot. This is mechanical solidarity

think tribes

small-scale societies with a relatively simple techilology. Such societies are not only small-in size but also their control over the environment is quite limited.

Adaption to the world/ technology

what eventually creates social and cultural systems that impact people's ability to change their social status.

social mobility

The ability to change ones social class position is called

Closed systems

social position tied to ascribed status

accommodate little change in social position. They do not allow people to shift levels and do not permit social relationships between levels.

Caste system

unchangeable ascribed position at birth Example- India's historical system

Estate system

high inequality with very low mobility Feudal system / dark ages monarchies (small # royals, church, large groups serfs)

stratified system consisting of the clergy, nobility, and commoners; with interlocking legal rights and obligations.

Slave systems

unequal and largely unchangeable social systems

system of stratification in which one person owns another, as he or she would own property, and exploits the slave's labor for economic gain

Open Systems

higher opportunity for transition between layers

there is an opportunity to move from one social class to another (achieved status)

Class systems

social position us based on achieved status

based on both social factors and individual achievement.

social class, social status, power

Weber argues that peoples social position is based on

social class

the power derived from wealth, and "life choices" to acquire wealth

grouping based on similar social factors like wealth, income, education, and occupation.

social status and power

is honor and prestige

power

honor and prestige

Life Chances

the way that our life and opportunities are often determined / directly influenced by our social class status

Not just money = better opportunities

Biggest predictor of a child's outcomes is their parents income

examples of life chances

Occupation- college is often a gateway to better paying jobs. Upper class can more easily afford college. Middle classes must balance debt with credential. These things are likely not even considerations for people at the lower ends.

Housing - wealthy are more likely to own multiple homes, socialize (marry) with other wealthy people.

Lower classes least likely to own a home and likely to have housing instability

Medical care is also heavily attached to social class status! Many get it through their jobs, which limits access.

Functionalism theory of stratification

stratification is a necessary and inevitable consequence of the need to use the promise of financial reward to induce talented people to pursue important jobs and careers.

classic: People paid different amounts due to the importance of their job to social functioning

Modern: Parts of the social system are not doing their jobs and there is dysfunction

Schools are not training workers with the right skill

modern functionalism

Parts of the social system are not doing their jobs and there is dysfunction

Schools are not training workers with the right skill

conflict theory of stratification

stratification results from lack of opportunity and discrimination against the poor and people of color.

Synthesis

= how both theories are helpful in understanding these systems

Different positions are rewarded differently and sometimes it is because they are important and sometimes they are not.

Surgeon vs teacher vs socialite

Groups do exploit the systems to benefit their own groups, but not every person who is wealthy and not everyone who is successful achieves that status through exploitation.

Racial Group

a socially constructed category ov people who are distinguished from each other by select physical characteristics

Society decides what race is

Can shift and be based on different characteristics

Ethnic group

characterized by cultural traits that reflect national origin, religion, and language

Racism

the belief that once racial group or category is Inherently superior to others

racist ideology serves 5 functions

1. It provides a moral rationale for systematic deprivation

2. It allows the dominant group to reconcile values and behaviors

3. Discourages the subordinate group from challenging the system

4. Rallies adherence in support of a "just" cause

5. It defends the existing division of labor

discrimination

A society that practices ______________fails to use the resources for all individuals. Description limits the search for talent and leadership to the dominant group Groups who could benefit may be excluded due to _______________beliefs

how does Discrimination aggravates social problems

It places the financial burden of alleviating these problems on the dominant group Racists ideology splits groups who may benefit. The statistical results of poverty are the same regardless of race. Yet many focus on racial exploitations for poverty rather than alleviating the broader condition

Racial prejudice and discrimination

what undercuts goodwill and friendly diplomatic relations between nations Anti / Asian Hispanic sentiment may hurt relations between us and Mexico and China

pluralistic society

one in which there are multiple groups coexisting in a space. Certain patterns in group relations tend to form this context:

where many groups and political parties coexist and have an active role in the governing process

Integration

when groups feel they can fully participate in society

Assimilation

when groups forsake their own culture to become a part of a different culture

is almost always the goal with migrant groups / differing cultures, but it can come in different forms

melting pot model

focuses on the idea that each group contributes something to the overall culture but also absorbs from other people

The missisippi chineese video illustrated groups who absorbed local cultures but also became a part of the local community

angelo conformity model

focused on the minority group losing their identity and merging

African slaves were forced to become Christian and adhere to american cultural traditions

Cajun americans were forced to stop speaking french and abondon many of their cultural habits to become more "american"

Segregation

occurs when a group is separated from the main body of society

De - Jure

segregation by law

Jim crow / other laws limited were black americans could live while they were effort

De - Facto

Segregation that is the result of existing social processes

The segregation that remained after the laws were repealed

Mass Expulsion

expelling ethnic or racial groups Acadians were exiled from nova scotia The native american trail of tears

Genocide

the deliberate destruciton of an entire racial or ethnic group All of WWII Various tribal wars in africa