Definitions

Question 1

Define Wealth

Answer 1

Material Resources

Question 2

Define Power

Answer 2

Ability to control resources

Question 3

Define Prestige

Answer 3

Respect/status

Question 4

What is Social Inequailty?

Answer 4

The differential access to wealth, power and prestige.

Question 5

What are social differences/divisions?

Answer 5

When people are differentiates based on individual qualities and/or social roles.

Question 6

What is Social Stratification?

Answer 6

The ranking of individuals into social positions ranging from high to low.

Question 7

What is ascribed status?

Answer 7

This is the status you inherit through your parents, primary care givers or family (this is a status based on qualities we can not control).

Question 8

What is acheived status?

Answer 8

Placement within the social hierarchy which is based on merit or achievement.

Question 9

What is an open system of stratification?

Answer 9

A system in which there is the potential and ability for social mobility

Question 10

What is a closed system of stratification?

Answer 10

A system in which there is no ability for social mobility

Question 11

What is Social mobility?

Answer 11

The opportunity to move from one class/ position in the social hierarchy to another.

Question 12

Define what Life Chances are.

Answer 12

Opportunites to aquire social resources

Question 13

What influences life chances?

Answer 13

Education, physical and mental health, residence and parental/familial support.

Question 14

What is individual mobility?

Answer 14

The ability of an individual to change their position in a social hierarchy.

Question 15

What is group mobility?

Answer 15

When a particular group moves position in the social hierarchy, this generally happens, when an occupation has an increase in pay or status.

Question 16

What does homophily mean?

Answer 16

The principle that we have stronger ties to people we are similar to.

Question 17

Define meritocracy

Answer 17

A political system in which economic goods or politcal power are vested/given to individual people based on ability and talent, rather than wealth or social class.

Question 18

Define capitalism

Answer 18

An economic and political system in which poperty, business and industry are controlled by private owners rather than by the state, with the purpose of making a profit.

Question 19

Define instututionalism

Answer 19

The process of becoming a permenant or respected part of a society, system or organisation.

Question 20

What is social darwinism?

Answer 20

The theory that human groups and races are subject to the same laws of natural selection as Charles Darwin perceived in plants and animals in nature. This theory is used to justify social inequalities and social rankings.