Inequality Flashcards
Define Inequality
the degree to which culturally valued material and social awards are received disproportionally by people
What are the 3 systems of inequality?
1) Egalitarian
2) Ranked (Cultures)
3) Stratified
What does it mean to be unequally Egalitarian?
-roughly equality (between family)
-based on hierarchy
-highly mobile
ex. Native Americans/Invit
The Big Man
Reciprocal Sharing
What are the 3 things Weber says are unequal?
1) Power
2) Wealth
3) Prestige
What does it mean to be Ranked (Cultures)?
- some limited offices
- hereditary positions
- family and kinships
- rights and responsibilities
ex. Tikopia/ Chief (Polynesians)
What does it mean to be Stratified?
- Sharply unequal distributions
- some have access to more power, wealth, or prestige
Define Caste
Tightly bound social group based on family background
- ascribed at birth
- mobility between castes is restricted
ex. White/Black Relationships under slavery/Jim Crow (Laws)
Describe the India (Hindu) hierarchy.
Four Varnas
1) Brahmin - priests
2) Kshatriyas - Nobles/Warriors
3) Vaishas - merchants/artisans
4) Shudra - farmers/craftspeople
* Dalits - “The untouchables” / without caste
Hindu Thought
1) Reincarnation
2) Dharma
3) Kharma
Reincarnation
when you die, you will be resurrected into your next life
your previous life will determine where you go next
Dharma
a way of life
it’s given to you dependent on caste/birth
Kharma
Direct correlation/response for actions/events
Benefits of castes
1) Sense of Belonging within the group
2) Clarity of vocation
How is inequality maintained?
1) Use of force/fear
2) Ideologies
- God’s Will
- Rich are Benevolent
- Elite earn rewards
What are the theories of Inequality?
1) Functional Theory of Inequality
2) Conflict Theory of Inequality
