Chapter 9 : Social Stratification

Chapter 9 : Social Stratification

Chapter Summary:

This chapter explains, examines, and evaluates the origins, causes, and effects of social stratification according to most sociologists. Most sociologists believe that stratification affects virtually every aspect of an individual’s life chances. They believe “inequality” is not a naturally-occurring phenomena but rather socially induced (caused) by some social selective process that values some things over others. Critics of this sociological perspective might argue that inequality is more a result of individual decision making in the areas of education, values, and behavior.

Types of societies and the degree of social differentiation are examined. Stratification has shown to increase as societies become more complex (industrial nations). Two basic types of stratification systems exist in today’s world: a caste system and a class system.

Three dimensions (rewards)of social stratification in society are examined. The causes of social stratification are explained from the structural-functionalist and the conflict perspectives.

In examining inequality in America, the book considers the distribution of income and wealth, class consciousness, poverty, and one’s life chances. The book also analyzes social mobility in the United States.

Chapter Objectives

After completing the chapter, students should be able to:

1. Define social stratification and social inequality.
2. Discuss the characteristics of caste systems and class systems and the three most common rewards of such systems.
3. Discuss the theories that try to explain the existence of social stratification.
4. Describe the American class system.
5. Discuss the characteristics of the poor in America and describe steps taken by the federal government to lesson the effects of poverty.
6. Explain the concept of social inequality and relate it to occupations, housing, education and health care.
7. Discuss social mobility and its forms.
8. List four factors that strongly influence social mobility in the United States.

Chapter 9 : Textbook Analysis (pp. 204-229)

1. How do class systems and caste systems differ?

1. What three rewards are most often used to determine social stratification? Summarize what each means.

a.

b.

c.

1. Summarize the two theories’ views on social stratification.

1. Functionalist –

1. Conflict –

4.

Social class categories / Characteristics

1. What do sociologists see as some structural causes of:

1. upward mobility –

1. downward mobility –

1. Define “poverty level” and explain how it is determined.

1. Explain how each affect the likelihood of being poor in America.

1. sex –

1. age –

1. race & ethnicity -

1. How are transfer payments and subsidies different?

1. What did critics of government poverty programs claim and what have been some of their reforms?