Chapter 12: Social Stratification Flashcards
How is socioeconimc status (SES) determined?
SES is determined by two factors: it can be ascribed according to physical or external characteristics such as age, gender, or skin color, or acquires through direct efforts such as hard work and merit.
How does social capital affect social cohesion?
The less capital a person has (reduced netwrok equality and equality of opportunity), the more social inequality. This, in turn, decreases social cohesion.
What are some groups that suffer disproportionate social inequality?
Social inequailty is highest among racial and ethnic miniorites (especially African Americans and Hispanics), female-headed families, and the elderly. It is alomost prevalent among those living in poverty.
What is the relatioship between merit and social mobility?
Social mobility can be dependent on intellectual talent and achievment (meritocratic competition) but can also be observed by concentrated power as well as discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, age, or other identifiable characteristics.
With regard to health, which groups are most often affected by environmental hazards?
Environmental hazards tend to be located in low-income areas with a higher population of racial and ethnic minorities. Poor living conditions can result in increased illness and disease among these groups of people.
Ascribed Status
Derives from clearly indentifiable characteristics, such as age, gender, and skin color.
Achieved Status
Acquired through direct, individual efforts. Hardwork and merit.
Marxist Theory
Proposes that the have-nots, called the proletariat, could over throw the haves, called the bourgeoisie, as well as the entire capitalist economy by developing class consciousness.
Class consciousness
The organization of the working class around shared goals and recognition of a need for collective political action.
Strain Theory
Focuses on how anomic conditions can lead to deviance.
(Anomie: the lack of social norms, or the breakdown of social bonds between an individual and society)
Social Capital
The investements people make in their society and return for economic or collective rewards; the greater the investment, the higher level of social integration (peaceful movement into mainstrean society) and inclusions.
Social Mobility
Typically the result of an economic and occupational structure that allows one to acquire higher-level employment opportunities given proper credentials and experience requiremnts.
Intragenerational
Changes in social status happen within a person’s lifetime.
Intergenerational
Changes are from parents to children.
Meritocracy
Based on intellectual talent and achievment, and is a means for a person to advance up the social ladder.
