Global Inequality and Social Stratification

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering concepts related to global inequality, social stratification, race, gender, and their interconnections.

Stratification

The hierarchical ranking of individuals or groups in a society based on factors like wealth, power, race, education, or gender.

Demography

The scientific study of human populations, including their size, distribution, composition, and changes over time.

Dependency Ratio

The ratio of dependent individuals (young and elderly) to the working-age population.

Population Pyramid

A graphical representation of a population's age and gender structure.

Malthus’ Theory

Thomas Malthus argued that population growth would outpace food supply, leading to famine and poverty.

Neo-Malthusians

Modern scholars who emphasize the dangers of overpopulation, including environmental degradation and resource depletion.

Demographic Transition Theory

A model describing population change over time through four stages—pre-industrial, transitional, industrial, and post-industrial.

Wealth Flow Theory

A theory suggesting that fertility rates are influenced by whether wealth flows from parents to children or vice versa.

Conflict Theory Explanations

Views population issues through the lens of inequality, power, and resource distribution.

Factors Affecting Fertility

Elements that influence birth rates, including cultural, economic, social, and biological factors.

Push-Pull Theory of Migration

A theory explaining migration by factors that push people away from their origin and pull them toward a new destination.

International vs. Internal Migration

International migration involves crossing national borders, while internal migration occurs within a country.

Urbanization

The process by which rural areas become urbanized as populations move to cities.

Megacities

Urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million people.

Social Security Challenges

The U.S. Social Security system faces challenges due to an aging population and lower birth rates.

Gentrification

The transformation of urban areas through wealthier individuals moving in, raising property values, and displacing lower-income residents.

Gemeinschaft

A type of social relationship characterized by close-knit communities based on kinship and tradition.

Gesellschaft

A type of social relationship characterized by larger urban societies based on contracts and individual goals.

Mechanical Solidarity

A type of social cohesion based on similarity and shared beliefs, common in traditional societies.

Organic Solidarity

A type of social cohesion based on interdependence and specialization, common in modern societies.

Urban Problems

Challenges faced by urban areas, including poverty, crime, pollution, inadequate housing, and traffic congestion.

Demographic and Environmental Policy

Policies aimed at managing population growth, distribution, and environmental impact.

Human Capital

The skills, knowledge, and experiences possessed by an individual that can be used to create economic value.

Social Capital

The networks of relationships and connections that provide support and access to resources.

Cultural Capital

Non-economic resources that enable social mobility, such as education, style of speech, or physical appearance.

Micro-level Factors

Factors related to individual behaviors and choices impacting social stratification.

Meso-level Factors

Institutions and organizations that connect individuals to the larger social structure.

Macro-level Factors

Broad societal structures and processes that shape social stratification.

Symbolic Interactionism and Class

A micro-level theory focusing on how people create and maintain stratification through daily interactions.

Conspicuous Consumption

The act of buying and using products to publicly display wealth and status.

Rational Choice Theory and Class

A theory suggesting individuals make decisions based on weighing costs and benefits to maximize personal advantage.

Davis-Moore Thesis

A functionalist theory proposing that social stratification is necessary to motivate people to fill important societal roles.

Conflict Theory and Class

A perspective that sees stratification as a result of conflict over scarce resources.

Ideology

A set of beliefs that justifies the social arrangements and inequalities in society.

Class Consciousness

Awareness of one's social class and its associated interests.

Education

Access to education is a significant factor in social stratification.

Health and Social Conditions

Access to health care and living conditions affect life expectancy and quality of life.

Attitudes Toward Achievement

Beliefs and values about success shaped by social class.

Religious Membership

Religious affiliation and participation often correlate with social class.

Political Behavior

Class can influence political beliefs, participation, and power.

Intergenerational Mobility

Changes in social status between generations within a family.

Intragenerational Mobility

Changes in social status within a person's lifetime.

Racial and Ethnic Stratification

The hierarchical ranking of individuals or groups based on race and ethnicity.

Race

A socially constructed category based on perceived physical differences.

Ethnicity

A category based on shared cultural traits and heritage.

Social Construction of Race

An idea that race is created and maintained by social, cultural, and historical processes.

Prejudice

Preconceived, negative attitudes toward an individual or group.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified generalizations about a group of people.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

A belief that influences behavior in ways that cause the belief to become true.

Discrimination

Actions or practices resulting in unequal treatment based on group membership.

Frustration-Aggression Theory

The theory that frustration leads to aggression, often directed at vulnerable groups.

Scapegoating

Blaming an individual or group for problems they did not cause.

Ideological Racism

Belief systems asserting that certain races are inherently superior or inferior.

Symbolic Racism

Subtle forms of racism expressed through opposition to policies benefiting marginalized groups.

Institutionalized Racism

Systemic policies embedded within institutions that disadvantage certain racial groups.

Side-Effect Discrimination

Discrimination in one area affecting outcomes in another.

Past-in-Present Discrimination

Historical discrimination continuing to affect people today.

Genocide

The systematic extermination of a racial, ethnic, or cultural group.

Subjugation

Maintaining control over a group through force or coercion.

Population Transfer

Forcing a minority group to relocate.

Assimilation

The process by which a minority group adopts the culture of the dominant group.

Pluralism

A state in which diverse groups maintain their unique identities while coexisting peacefully.

Functionalist Theory and Race

Views racial and ethnic differences as potentially contributing to social order and stability.

Conflict Theory and Race

Emphasizes power dynamics and economic exploitation of marginalized groups.

Micro-Level Coping Strategies

Personal resilience and individual empowerment efforts.

Meso-Level Coping Strategies

Community organizations and advocacy efforts to bring change.

Macro-Level Coping Strategies

Legal reforms and social movements aimed at change.

Group Contact

Interaction between different groups aimed at reducing prejudice.

Affirmative Action

Policies designed to address past discrimination and promote equal opportunities.

Sex

Biological differences between males and females.

Gender

Socially constructed roles and behaviors considered appropriate for men and women.

Sexual Orientation

A person's emotional or romantic attraction to others.

Sexuality

The capacity for sexual feelings and behaviors.

Gender Roles

Expectations about behaviors and presentation based on gender.

Infancy in Gender Socialization

The stage where gender identity begins to form through early social interactions.

Childhood in Gender Socialization

Socialization through play and media that reinforces gender norms.

Beyond Childhood in Gender Socialization

Ongoing socialization influenced by education, media, and relationships.

Family in Gender Socialization

The first source shaping beliefs and behaviors regarding gender.

Schools in Gender Socialization

Institutions reinforcing gender norms through curricula and expectations.

Peers in Gender Socialization

Influence through acceptance or rejection of gender-specific behaviors.

Media in Gender Socialization

Promotion of stereotypes and idealized norms regarding gender.

Glass Ceiling

Invisible barriers preventing women and minorities from reaching top positions.

Sticky Floor

Barriers keeping women in low-wage, low-mobility jobs.

Glass Escalator

Men's advantage in female-dominated professions, leading to quicker promotions.

Second Shift

Unpaid domestic labor performed by women after their paid work.

Doing Gender

The process of performing gender roles through daily interactions.

Functionalist Theory and Gender

Argues gender roles contribute to social stability and cohesion.

Conflict Theory and Gender

Views gender inequality as a result of power struggles.

Feminist Theory and Gender

Advocates for understanding and addressing gender inequality.

Feminism

A movement for social, political, and economic equality of all genders.

Intersection of Race, Class, and Gender

The interconnected nature of social categorizations resulting in overlapping discrimination.

Women as a Minority Group

Women are considered a minority due to their relative lack of power and resources.

Heterosexism

Belief that heterosexuality is the only valid sexual orientation.

Homophobia

Fear or discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Costs of Gender Stratification

Negative outcomes of unequal power relations between genders.

Sexual Attitudes in the U.S.

Culturally influenced beliefs about sexuality.

Virginity Pledges

Promises made to abstain from sex until marriage.

Queer Theory

A critical theory challenging normative definitions of gender and sexuality.