Chapter 9 - Introduction to Sociology Flashcards

Flashcards for Chapter 9 Introduction to Sociology, covering social stratification, wealth, income, prestige, status consistency, and systems of stratification.

Social Stratification

A society's categorization of its people based on factors like wealth, income, education, power, and family background.

Socioeconomic Status (SEC)

The place an individual is located within social stratification rankings based on factors like wealth, income, education, power, and family background.

Wealth

The net value of money and assets a person has.

Income

A person's wages or investment dividends.

Prestige

Respect gained through achievements or occupation.

Status Consistency

The lack of consistency of an individual's rank in a society across their lifespan.

Primogeniture

A law that passed down property and assets to the first born son. If there was no son, the closest male relation was chosen instead

Closed System

A system in which little change is made to someone's social position and social relationships are not permitted within different positions.

Caste System

A system where an individual can do little to nothing to change their social standing and determines their occupation, marriage, partners, and housing.

Open System

A system in which accomplishments and rewards can change your social standing.

Class

A set of people who share similar status based on wealth, income, education, family background, and occupation.

Class System

A system that is based on social factors and individual achievement.

Exogamous Marriage

Union of spouses from different social categories

Endogamous Marriage

Union of spouses from the same social category

Meritocracy

A type of hypothetical open system where social stratification is based on personal effort and merit.

Ideology

Beliefs in fate, destiny, and the will of a high power which reinforces the fixed social structure.