Social Stratification

Social Stratification

Systematic ranking of individuals and groups in a society based on criteria like wealth, income, social status occupation, and power.

Hierarchy

A system where individuals or groups are ranked above or below others based on certain criteria.

Resources

Materials, money, or other assets that individuals or groups can use to achieve their goals.

Opportunities

Chances for individuals to improve their circumstances or achieve success.

Inequality

Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, or privileges among individuals or groups.

Life chances

The likelihood that individuals will have access to resources and opportunities to lead a successful life.

Social mobility

The ability of individuals or groups to move up or down in the social hierarchy.

Social Class

Categorization of individuals and groups based on economic position, occupation, education, and other criteria.

Prestige

High regard or respect associated with a particular position or status in society.

Meritocracy

A system where advancement is based on individual ability or achievement rather than social background.

Educational attainment

Level of education completed by an individual, often linked to social class and opportunities.

Working class

Social class consisting of individuals who perform manual labor or service work.

Upper class

Social class composed of individuals with high wealth, income, and social status.

Middle class

Social class between the upper and working classes, often including professionals and white-collar workers.

Social power

Ability to influence others or achieve goals through control of resources and social status.

Material possessions

Physical items owned by individuals or groups, often indicating wealth or social status.

Education

Access to quality education can be influenced by one's social class.

Power

Ability to influence or control the behavior of others.

Social Mobility

Refers to the ability to move between social classes over time.

Upper Class

Wealthy individuals and families with significant economic resources and influence.

Middle Class

Includes professionals, business people, and affluent workers.

Working Class

Individuals employed in manual labor or industrial work.

Lower Class

People with the least wealth, often facing economic instability.

Status

Refers to the prestige or social honor attached to one's position in society.

Functionalist Theory

Suggests that social stratification is necessary for society to function efficiently.

Conflict Theory

Argues that stratification benefits only some people, not all of society.

Karl Marx

Emphasized class struggle between bourgeoisie and proletariat

Bourgeoisie

Owners in society

Proletariat

Workers in society

Weberian Theory

Introduced multidimensional approach: class, status, and party

Max Weber

Sociologist who introduced Weberian Theory

Symbolic Interactionism

Focuses on daily interactions and meanings in society

Stratification Systems

Different systems of social hierarchy

Caste System

Closed system based on birth and family lineage

Class System

Open system based on individual achievement

Life Chances

Access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities influenced by social status.

Social Cohesion

Strength of community bonds, trust, and stability affected by levels of inequality.

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes between social classes, influenced by access to healthcare and living conditions.

Quality of Life

Overall well-being and satisfaction with one's living conditions and circumstances.

Social Justice

Fair and equitable treatment of all individuals in society.

Stability

State of being secure, balanced, and not easily changed.

Chronic Diseases

Long-lasting medical conditions that require ongoing management and treatment.

Mortality

Rate of death within a specific population or group.

Community

Group of people living in the same area or sharing common interests.

Cultural Capital

Includes social connections and cultural knowledge, influencing social mobility and access to resources.

Social Classes

Higher classes often have greater access to education and cultural capital, perpetuating inequality.