Social Stratification SOC110: Introduction to Sociology Sarah Goodrum, Ph.D.

1. Social Stratification SOC110: Introduction to SociologySarah Goodrum, Ph.D. Forms of Stratification Social Mobility Theories of Stratification

2. Social Stratification • the inequality of entire categories of people, who have different access to social rewards as a result of their status in the social hierarchy • people within a particular stratum share similar life chances

3. Stratification Systems • Caste System– there is no way for people to change their statuses; boundaries b/t strata are clearly drawn. • status is determined by birth and is lifelong • caste membership is an ascribed status • Class System– open system based primarily on economic statuses, which may be subject to change. • class membership is an achieved status • features of class systems: • unequal distribution of wealth • difference in lifestyle from stratum to stratum • reproduction of the system from one generation to the next through education and inheritance • Classless Society– no economically based strata.

4. Social Mobility(i.e., movement from one social status to another) • intergenerational mobility – movement up or down the hierarchy by family members from one generation to the next • e.g., • exchange mobility – changes in people’s social status, as they exchange places with one another at different levels of the hierarchy • e.g., • structural mobility – changes in people’s social statuses as a result of changes in the structure of the economy • e.g.,

5. Theories of Stratification • Marx’s Conflict Theory “Society as a whole is more and more splitting up into two great hostile camps, into two great classes directly facing each other: bourgeoisie and proletariat” (Marx, Communist Manifesto) • Material Position – Marx defined these two classes in terms of their relationship to the means of production (owners and non-owners) in society • Psychological Position – to be considered a “class” people must: (1) share similar prospects and (2) be aware of their circumstances, mutual interests, and common class enemy • This awareness is class consciousness. • False consciousness is proletariat thinking they have common interests with the ruling class.

6. Theories of Stratification • Functionalist Theory Stratification is “an unconsciously evolved device by which societies insure that the most important positions are conscientiously filled by the most qualified persons” (Davis and Moore 1945). • functionalists argue that stratification is a social necessity • some vital social roles require scare talents or prolonged training • if society is to function effectively, we must fill these roles with the most talented and skilled people • because some roles involve stress and sacrifice, people must be attracted to them by rewards (e.g., wealth, power, prestige) • Thus, the unequal distribution of rewards is functional.