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.

Trust

Belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.

Harmonious

Characterized by agreement, peace, and mutual understanding.

Access to Healthcare

Ability to obtain medical services and treatment when needed.

Social Unrest

Disorder or instability within society due to dissatisfaction or conflicts.

Mental Health Issues

Conditions affecting emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Policies

Guidelines or rules set by authorities to address specific issues or achieve goals.

Promote

Encourage or support the growth or development of something.

Well-being

State of being comfortable, healthy, and happy.

Living Conditions

Quality of housing, sanitation, and environment in which people live.

Reduce

Make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

Individual Effort

Actions and initiatives taken by a person to achieve personal goals or success.

Social Status

Position or rank of an individual in relation to others in society.

Barriers

Obstacles or hindrances that prevent progress or access to resources.

Equality

State of being equal in rights, status, and opportunities.

Instability

Lack of stability or firmness, prone to change or disruption.

Promoting Social Justice

Advocating for fair treatment and equal opportunities for all members of society.

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.

Political Power

Higher social classes often hold more power and influence, impacting social stratification.

Addressing Social Stratification

Requires policies promoting greater political equality and reducing concentration of power and influence.

Mechanisms

Understanding mechanisms and impacts of social stratification is crucial for addressing inequality and promoting social justice.

Types of Stratification Systems

Recognizing these and their impacts can help create more equitable societies with equal opportunities.

Policymakers

Must work to reduce inequality, increase access to education, healthcare, and employment, and promote social cohesion.

Healthcare

Increasing access to healthcare is important in addressing social stratification.

Employment Opportunities

Increasing access to employment opportunities is crucial in reducing inequality.

Economic Equality

Policies promoting greater economic equality are essential in reducing inequality.

Mobility

Promoting social mobility is important in addressing social stratification.