module 8 - social stratification and class notes

what is social stratification?

a society’s categorization of its people into rankings or tiers based on factors like wealth, income, occupation, education, race/ethnicity, gender, age, and power.

what is social inequality?

a condition where privileges, opportunities, and rewards are given to some people but denied to others based on their social level.

what is socioeconomic status (class)?

a person’s or family’s level in society, largely based on income and the opportunities it affords.

what is an open stratification system?

a system where individuals can earn positions through ability, effort, and choices; allows social mobility and interactions across levels.

what is a closed stratification system?

a system where positions are determined by characteristics beyond an individual’s control; little or no interaction across levels.

what is a caste system?

a rigid, closed stratification system where individuals retain status for life, with strict rules about occupation, marriage, and associations.

what is a class system?

a flexible, open stratification system where individuals can choose their paths, but privilege or poverty often passes between generations.

what is meritocracy?

an ideal system where social position is earned based on individual effort and merit.

why is meritocracy considered a myth?

because social positions are never purely based on merit, and systemic inequalities limit upward mobility.

what is social mobility?

the ability to move between different social classes in an open stratification system.

what is upward mobility?

moving to a higher social class through means like education, promotion, or fame.

what is downward mobility?

moving to a lower social class due to factors like job loss, illness, or addiction.