Ch7: Stratification

Question 1

Stratification

Answer 1

Hierarchical organization of a society into groups with differing levels of power, social prestige, or status and economic resources

Question 2

Conflict Theory

Answer 2

Conflict among competing interests is the basic animating force of social change

Question 3

Rousseau’s views on inequality

Answer 3

He saw humankind as naturally pure and good. It’s the process of building a society and repressing natural instincts that develops social problems, particularly the institution of private property (creates competition, isolation, aggression, hierarchical organization).
Rousseau said there are physical inequalities and social/political inequalities.

Question 4

Ferguson & Millas’ views on inequality (Enlightenment)

Answer 4

Saw private property as a source of inequality, but believed it was necessary to motivate people to work hard and for societal efficiency. They viewed inequality as prerequisites for social progress and the development of civilization.

Question 5

Malthus’ views on inequality

Answer 5

Inequality as a population control mechanism. He says that equal resource distribution leads to population growth which in turn leads to increased poverty.

Question 6

Hegel’s Dialectic

Answer 6

Viewed history as a master-slave dialectic (two-directional relationship where one’s thesis is countered with another’s antithesis and concludes in a synthesis uniting strengths of both arguments). Hegel says slave depends on master for food, shelter, and production; and master depends on slave who performs basic survival duties until master can’t remember how to do them and can’t function on his own. Hegel believed HISTORY IS MARCHING TOWARD A MORE EQUAL AND DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY.

Question 7

Durkheim’s views on inequality (functionalist)

Answer 7

Inequality assigns capable individual to essential roles. It is vital for social equilibrium, it helps us which areas of society need help.

Question 8

Marx’s views on inequality

Answer 8

Inequality is caused by exploitation within capitalism.

Question 9

Equality of Opportunity

Answer 9

Everyone has an equal chance to achieve wealth, social prestige, and power because “the rules of the game” are the same for everyone

Question 10

Equality of condition

Answer 10

Everyone should have an equal starting point. Ex: affirmative action

Question 11

Equality of outcome (+free rider problem)

Answer 11

Everyone must end up with the same amount regardless of the fairness of the “game”.
Free Rider Problem: notion that when many people are responsible for doing something, the incentive is for individuals to shrink responsibility and hope others will pull the extra weight

Question 12

Estate System of Stratification

Answer 12

-Politically based
-Limited social mobility (social reproduction prevails)

Question 13

Caste System of Stratification

Answer 13

-Religion based
-No social mobility

Question 14

Class System of Stratification

Answer 14

-Economically based
-Loose social mobility

Question 15

Status Hierarchy System (WEBER)

Answer 15

-Social prestige based
-Status is determined by what society thinks of a community’s lifestyle

Question 16

Meritocracy

Answer 16

Society where status and mobility are based on individual attributes, ability and achievements.

Question 17

Socioeconomic status

Answer 17

Individual’s position in a stratified social order

Question 18

Social Mobility

Answer 18

Movement between position within a system of social stratification. It can be HORIZONTAL, meaning the transition from one social status to another more or less on the same level, or VERTICAL, meaning the rise or fall from one social stratum to another.

Question 19

Structural Mobility

Answer 19

Inevitable. Because of changes in the economy

Question 20

Exchange Mobility

Answer 20

Resulting from changing jobs

Question 21

Progressive Tax

Answer 21

Tax rate that increases as taxable income increases

Question 22

Social Reproduction

Answer 22

Process by which existing social inequalities are passed from one generation to the next

Question 23

Affirmative Action

Answer 23

Policies addressing historical and ongoing discrimination by providing preferential treatment and opportunities to marginalized groups.