Chapter 7 - Social inequality and Stratification

What is social stratification?

A structured system in which society ranks individuals or groups into a hierarchy based on unequal access to resources like wealth, power, and status.

What are the three main dimensions of stratification?

Wealth (economic resources), power (ability to influence decisions), and status (prestige or social respect).

Why is stratification considered structural?

Because it is built into institutions (education, economy, family) and persists over time, not just individual differences.

What is social inequality?

Unequal distribution of valued resources and life chances across individuals or groups.

Difference between inequality and stratification?

Inequality = differences;

Stratification = structured system organizing those differences.

What is social class?

A group of people who share a similar position in the economic system, especially in terms of income, occupation, and wealth.

How is class different from status?

Class = economic position;

Status = social prestige and recognition.

What defines someone’s class position?

Income, occupation, education, and ownership of assets.

Why is class important?

It shapes life chances: health, education, career, and social networks.

What are life chances?

The opportunities individuals have to improve their quality of life, heavily influenced by class position.

TYPES OF STRATIFICATION SYSTEMS:

Caste system (closed system)

Position fixed at birth

• inherited status

• no mobility

• strict rules (marriage, jobs)

Example:

• India caste system

• apartheid (race-based hierarchy)

TYPES OF STRATIFICATION SYSTEMS:

Caste system (open system)

Position can change

• based on achievement

• allows mobility

BUT not fully fair (important!!)

SOCIAL MOBILITY:

Definition:

Mobility = movement up or down the social ladder

Types:

• Upward mobility → getting richer/higher status

• Downward mobility → losing status

Example:

• poor → rich = upward

• middle class → unemployed = downward

American Dream:

= ideology of high mobility

What is meritocracy?

A system where success is based on talent, effort, and achievement rather than background.

Why is meritocracy criticized?

Because starting conditions (family, wealth, education) are unequal, so competition is not fair.

What is the “illusion of meritocracy”?

The belief that success is purely individual, ignoring structural advantages.

What is social reproduction?

The process by which inequality is passed from one generation to the next.

Why does social reproduction happen?

Because advantages (education, networks, culture) are inherited.

What is capital (Bourdieu)?

Any resource that gives advantage in society.

What are the types of capital - Bourdieu?

• Economic capital

• Cultural capital

• Social capital

• Symbolic capital

What is economic capital?

Money and material resources.

What is cultural capital?

Knowledge, skills, education, and cultural tastes that help navigate institutions.

Examples of cultural capital?

Language skills, knowing “proper” behavior, familiarity with high culture.

What is social capital?

Networks and connections that provide opportunities.

What is symbolic capital?

Prestige, recognition, and honor.

Why are forms of capital important?

They explain why inequality persists beyond just money

How does parenting differ by class?

Higher-class parents encourage independence and reasoning; lower-class parents emphasize obedience and discipline.

Why does parenting differences by class matter?

Schools reward independence → middle/upper class children succeed more.

How does class affect education?

Higher-class children attend better schools, get more support, and understand expectations better.

What is the hidden curriculum?

Unwritten rules of school (behavior, communication) that favor middle-class students.

How does speech differ by class?

Higher classes use more elaborated, abstract language; lower classes often use more restricted codes.

Why is language important?

Schools and institutions reward middle-class speech styles.

What is negotiating behavior?

The ability to question, challenge, or negotiate rules with authority.

How does class affect negotiation?

Higher-class individuals are more likely to negotiate (e.g. grades, salaries).

What is help-seeking behavior?

Actively asking for help, resources, or support.

Class differences in help-seeking?

Higher-class individuals feel entitled to help; lower-class individuals hesitate.

What does “negotiating opportunities” mean?

Actively shaping one’s chances (internships, jobs, networks).

Who does this more (negotiating opportunities)?

Higher classes → more confident and informed.

What is persistence in inequality?

Continuing effort despite obstacles

Class difference in persistence?

Higher classes can persist longer due to resources and safety nets.

What is the credential system?

A system where education determines access to jobs and status.

Why does the credential system increase inequality?

Because access to education is unequal.

What is the sinecure sector?

White-collar, bureaucratic jobs that require credentials rather than manual labor.

What is social distance?

The degree to which different social groups are separated in everyday life.

Examples of social distance?

Different neighborhoods, schools, lifestyles.

Why is social distance important?

It limits interaction and reinforces inequality.

What is openness in stratification?

How accessible opportunities are across social groups.

Why is inequality not just about income?

Because it also includes power, status, networks, and opportunities

Why does inequality persist even in modern societies?

Because institutions reproduce advantages across generations.

What is the key paradox of meritocracy?

It promises equality of opportunity but often reinforces inequality.

Big picture: why does stratification matter?

Because it shapes life chances, social stability, and the likelihood of conflict or cohesion.

Status attainment model (Blau and Duncan):

Idea:

Your status depends on:

1. Family background

2. Education (mediator)

3. Occupation

SES

= The resources that differentiate locations in hierarchies of power and priviledge.

Cultural capital vs habitus:

CULTURAL CAPITAL = WHAT YOU HAVE

Resources you possess that help you succeed in institutions

Examples:

• vocabulary, way of speaking

• knowledge of “proper” behavior

• familiarity with culture (books, art, etc.)

• educational credentials

HABITUS = HOW YOU ARE

Your internalized way of thinking, acting, and perceiving the world

It includes:

• your instincts

• your confidence level

• what feels “natural”

• what you think is possible for you

Concerted cultivation - middle class

• structured activities, skill development, active parental involvement, less punishment more discussion, more interference at school.

• enhanced self-advocacy, familiarity with adult interaction, scheduled life.

Accomplishment of natural growth -working-class:

• unstructured play, more freedom, less adult interference

• independence, creativity, strong family bonds, less experience with institutional norms.

Pygmalion effect:

Higher expectations from others = better outcome