Intro to Stratification and Differentiation

What is stratification?

The grouping of people into layers of a social hierarchy. (often by power, status or class)

How are most capitalist societies stratified?

According to wealth and income - this means there are inevitable class inequalities.

What does communism aim to do?

Create a more equal social strata

What is an open system of stratification?

• Equality of opportunity

• Meritocratic society.

• Enables social mobility.

  e.g. UK or USA

What are closed systems of stratification?

• Inequality of opportunity.

• Meritocracy restricted.

• Restricted social mobility

  e.g. Hindi Caste system or Apartheid in South Africa

What would be the reality if Western societies were truly open?

There would be complete equality of opportunity and no discrimination.

What is differentiation?

The differences that exist between social groups in the strata of society.

e.g. differences in identities, life chances and inequalities.

Examples of differentiation

Inequalities and differences in opportunities that exist between rich and poor people, or men and women,

We can differentiate into: disability, religion, class, age, gender, ethnicity.

Key themes in this topic

Inequalities, identities and opportunities

What is equality (of outcome)

Everybody gets treated the same because they all end up with the same thing.

No incentive to work hard.

What is equality (of opportunity)?

Everyone is given the same chance to work hard and get the same outcome.

What is a meritocracy?

• There is equality of opportunity in society.

• Hard work is rewarded.

What is social mobility?

The ability to move up or down the social strata through hard work or other means.

What are life chances?

Your chances of doing well and having success in life.

What is status?

A persons position in society, often based on factors like age, gender and social class.

What is power?

The ability to get what you want despite opposition.

What is poverty?

poverty is defined as both absolute poverty and relative poverty. not being able to afford the thinsg you should be able to afford in society.

What is representation?

How you are shown e.g. through the media.

What is prejudice?

an unfavorable opinion or pre-judgment of a person or group based on their characteristics, like race, religion, or sexual orientation.