Inequality & Power

Question 1

Power

Answer 1

is the ability to influence or even control the behavior of others

Question 2

Rational-Legal Authority

Answer 2

is power legitimized by legally enacted rules and regulations

Question 3

Charismatic Authority

Answer 3

power legitimized by extraordinary abilities that inspire devotion

Question 4

Traditional Authority

Answer 4

power legitimized by respect for long-established cultural patterns

Question 5

Coercive Authority

Answer 5

a form of power exercised through force; people subjected to it will feel as though they are being forced against their will.

Question 6

Max Weber & Power

Answer 6

weber claims that there are two types of power, authoritative and coercive.

Question 7

Social Inequality

Answer 7

involves societal resources being distributed unevenly so that one person or group benefits relative to another

Question 8

Schwable & Inequality

Answer 8

states it is harmful because some people have advantages while other groups do not

Question 9

Invisible Resources (Schwable)

Answer 9

are when certain resources go unseen as being advantageous, especially to a group with the resource

Question 10

Colonialism

Answer 10

acquiring full or partial political control over a country, usually exploiting local economic resources

Question 11

Ideology

Answer 11

a set of beliefs and values held by an individual group

Question 12

Intersectionality

Answer 12

a social theory used to examine how social inequalities intersect to uniquely shape people’s experiences

Question 13

Ascribed Status

Answer 13

a social position imposed on a person (race, sex, age, social class)

Question 14

Achieved Status

Answer 14

a social position that a person acquires through effort and choices

Question 15

Critical Consciousness

Answer 15

involves a critical and deep understanding of society and its inequalities

Question 16

Why is inequality prevalent today?

Answer 16

Jean-Jaques thought the introduction of private property led to systematic forms of inequality. Social Darwinists believed that humans evolved to be unequal due to natural selection. Social anthropologists argued population growth led humans to turn to agriculture, which led to surplus and the need for managers/specialized roles.

Question 17

Davis-Moore Hypothesis

Answer 17

They argue that the most difficult jobs in society are the most necessary and require the highest rewards/compensation to motivate individuals to fill them,.

Question 18

Davis-Moore Criticism

Answer 18

They do not clearly state why some positions are worth more than others. Not merely income that determines inequality, but wealth, access to social networks and cultural practices.

Question 19

Collins & Controlling Images

Answer 19

The authority to define societal values is a major instrument of power. States how elite groups create “controlling images” about groups they wish to exploit and oppress in their efforts to make social injustice appear to be natural, normal and inevitable in society.

Question 20

Intersectionality & Controlling Images

Answer 20

controlling images are key in maintaining intersecting oppressions as well as powerful ideological justifications for their existence.

Question 21

Sojourner Truth, 1851

Answer 21

Sojourner Truth was born into an enslaved family and was categorized as a slave until she escaped in 1826/1827. Sociologists use her as an example of an ascribed status and achieved status.

Question 22

Resisting Inequality

Answer 22

critical consciousness is an important process in resisting inequality.