Sociology Social Stratification Class
35 flashcards covering Sociology Social Stratification Class for the SOCIOLOGY-101 Sociology 101 Topics section.
Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in a society based on various factors such as wealth, power, education, and social status. This concept is defined by the American Sociological Association in its curriculum guidelines for introductory sociology courses. Understanding social stratification is essential for analyzing how societal structures influence individual opportunities and behaviors.
On practice exams and competency assessments, questions about social stratification often involve identifying different class systems, explaining their characteristics, or analyzing their impacts on social mobility. Common traps include confusing related concepts like social class and status, or overlooking the role of intersectionality in stratification. It’s important to pay attention to how these elements interact, as exam questions may require nuanced understanding rather than simple definitions.
A practical tip often overlooked is recognizing how social stratification shapes not only economic outcomes but also access to healthcare, education, and social services, which can significantly affect individuals' quality of life.
Terms (35)
- 01
What is social stratification?
Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement of individuals into social classes based on factors like wealth, power, and prestige, influencing access to resources and opportunities (Henslin, Sociology).
- 02
Which sociologist is known for the concept of class conflict?
Karl Marx is known for the concept of class conflict, which asserts that societal conflict arises from the economic interests of different social classes (Macionis, Sociology).
- 03
What are the main dimensions of social stratification?
The main dimensions of social stratification include economic status (wealth), social status (prestige), and political power (influence) (Henslin, Sociology).
- 04
How does social mobility occur?
Social mobility occurs when individuals or groups move up or down the social hierarchy, which can be influenced by education, employment opportunities, and economic changes (Macionis, Sociology).
- 05
What is the difference between ascribed and achieved status?
Ascribed status is a social position assigned at birth, while achieved status is a social position attained through personal effort or achievement (Henslin, Sociology).
- 06
What is the significance of the upper class in social stratification?
The upper class holds significant wealth and power, often influencing political decisions and societal norms, thereby shaping the overall structure of society (Macionis, Sociology).
- 07
What is the concept of the 'American Dream'?
The 'American Dream' is the belief that anyone can achieve success and upward mobility through hard work and determination, although this is often critiqued for overlooking systemic barriers (Henslin, Sociology).
- 08
How often are social classes reevaluated in society?
Social classes are often reevaluated during significant economic changes, such as recessions or booms, which can alter the distribution of wealth and opportunities (Macionis, Sociology).
- 09
What role does education play in social stratification?
Education plays a critical role in social stratification by providing individuals with the skills and credentials necessary for higher-paying jobs, thus influencing their social mobility (Henslin, Sociology).
- 10
What is the term for the movement between social classes?
The term for movement between social classes is social mobility, which can be upward or downward based on various factors such as education and economic conditions (Macionis, Sociology).
- 11
What are the characteristics of the working class?
The working class typically includes individuals employed in manual labor or service jobs, often facing economic instability and limited access to resources (Henslin, Sociology).
- 12
What is the impact of globalization on social stratification?
Globalization can exacerbate social stratification by creating disparities in wealth and opportunity across different regions, often benefiting those in developed countries (Macionis, Sociology).
- 13
How does race and ethnicity intersect with social stratification?
Race and ethnicity intersect with social stratification by influencing individuals' access to resources, opportunities, and social mobility, often resulting in systemic inequalities (Henslin, Sociology).
- 14
What is the term for the lowest social class?
The term for the lowest social class is the underclass, which often faces extreme poverty and social exclusion (Macionis, Sociology).
- 15
What is the relationship between income and social class?
Income is a key determinant of social class, as it directly affects individuals' access to resources, lifestyle, and opportunities for upward mobility (Henslin, Sociology).
- 16
What is the concept of 'social reproduction'?
Social reproduction refers to the processes through which social inequality is maintained across generations, often through education and family structures (Macionis, Sociology).
- 17
What is the role of power in social stratification?
Power plays a crucial role in social stratification by determining who has control over resources and decision-making processes, influencing social hierarchies (Henslin, Sociology).
- 18
How does the media influence perceptions of social class?
The media influences perceptions of social class by shaping public narratives and stereotypes about different social groups, often reinforcing existing inequalities (Macionis, Sociology).
- 19
What is the concept of 'meritocracy'?
Meritocracy is the belief that success is based on individual merit, such as talent and effort, although this concept is often critiqued for ignoring structural inequalities (Henslin, Sociology).
- 20
What is the significance of the middle class in social stratification?
The middle class is significant in social stratification as it serves as a buffer between the upper and lower classes, often associated with stability and economic growth (Macionis, Sociology).
- 21
What factors contribute to social inequality?
Factors contributing to social inequality include economic disparities, access to education, systemic discrimination, and varying levels of political power (Henslin, Sociology).
- 22
What is the role of social institutions in stratification?
Social institutions, such as education, family, and government, play a role in stratification by shaping individuals' opportunities and reinforcing social hierarchies (Macionis, Sociology).
- 23
How does wealth differ from income in social stratification?
Wealth refers to the total value of assets owned by an individual, while income is the money received over a specific period; both are critical in determining social class (Henslin, Sociology).
- 24
What is the concept of 'status inconsistency'?
Status inconsistency occurs when an individual's social positions yield conflicting statuses, such as having high income but low prestige (Macionis, Sociology).
- 25
What is the impact of education on social mobility?
Education significantly impacts social mobility by providing individuals with the skills and qualifications needed for better job opportunities and higher income (Henslin, Sociology).
- 26
How does social stratification affect health outcomes?
Social stratification affects health outcomes by influencing access to healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions, often leading to disparities in health (Macionis, Sociology).
- 27
What is the term for a society with little social mobility?
A society with little social mobility is referred to as a closed system, where individuals' social positions are largely determined by their family background (Henslin, Sociology).
- 28
What is the role of cultural capital in social stratification?
Cultural capital refers to non-financial social assets, such as education and cultural knowledge, that can influence social mobility and status (Macionis, Sociology).
- 29
What is the significance of social networks in stratification?
Social networks are significant in stratification as they can provide access to resources, job opportunities, and social support, influencing individuals' social mobility (Henslin, Sociology).
- 30
What are the characteristics of the elite class?
The elite class is characterized by significant wealth, power, and influence, often holding key positions in society and shaping economic and political policies (Macionis, Sociology).
- 31
What is the concept of 'intersectionality'?
Intersectionality is the study of how various social identities, such as race, class, and gender, intersect to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege (Henslin, Sociology).
- 32
How does social stratification influence political power?
Social stratification influences political power by determining who has access to political resources and decision-making processes, often favoring the upper classes (Macionis, Sociology).
- 33
What is the term for the practice of favoring one social class over others?
The term for the practice of favoring one social class over others is class bias, which can manifest in policies and social attitudes (Henslin, Sociology).
- 34
What is the impact of economic inequality on society?
Economic inequality can lead to social unrest, decreased social cohesion, and reduced opportunities for social mobility, affecting overall societal stability (Macionis, Sociology).
- 35
What is the significance of social stratification in understanding society?
Social stratification is significant in understanding society as it reveals the distribution of resources, power dynamics, and the potential for social change (Henslin, Sociology).