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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.
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