Module 3 Flashcards
What is social stratification?
Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in society based on various attributes such as wealth, power, and prestige. It leads to structured inequalities between different strata.
What are the main systems of stratification?
Caste System: A closed system where social position is ascribed at birth, with little to no mobility (e.g., traditional Indian caste system).
Class System: An open system based on achieved status, allowing for mobility through education and employment (e.g., contemporary Western societies).
Estate System: A system characterized by the ownership of land, prevalent in feudal societies.
Slavery: An extreme form of inequality where individuals are owned by others.
How is social class defined?
Social class is a group of people who share similar levels of wealth, power, and prestige. In the Caribbean, class distinctions are often influenced by occupation and level of education.
What is the functionalist perspective on stratification?
Functionalists argue that stratification is necessary for the smooth functioning of society. It ensures that the most qualified individuals fill roles that are most important for the survival and efficiency of society.
Who are key proponents of the functionalist perspective on stratification?
Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore: Proposed that stratification is universal and necessary, as it matches the most capable individuals with the most important societal roles.
Talcott Parsons: Emphasized that stratification reflects the value consensus of society, rewarding individuals based on the significance of their roles.
What are critiques of the functionalist perspective on stratification?
Melvin Tumin: Argued that functional importance is difficult to measure and that stratification can limit opportunities for those in lower strata, leading to inefficiencies.
Conflict Theorists: Suggest that stratification benefits the powerful at the expense of others, perpetuating inequality rather than serving a functional purpose.
What is the conflict perspective on stratification?
Conflict theorists view stratification as a result of power struggles between different groups. They argue that it benefits those in power and perpetuates inequality.
Which theorists are associated with the conflict perspective on stratification?
Karl Marx: Focused on class conflict between the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers), asserting that capitalism leads to inherent inequalities.
Louis Althusser: Argued that institutions like education serve to perpetuate capitalist interests by reproducing class structures.
Pierre Bourdieu: Introduced the concept of cultural capital, suggesting that non-economic assets (e.g., education, style) contribute to social inequality.
What is the interactionist perspective on stratification?
Interactionists examine how social stratification is maintained and experienced in daily interactions. They focus on how individuals perceive and enact their social positions.
How does social stratification manifest in the Caribbean?
In the Caribbean, stratification is influenced by a complex interplay of factors including race, ethnicity, color, education, and occupation. Historical contexts such as colonialism and slavery have left enduring impacts on social hierarchies.
Historical Context of Stratification in the Caribbean
The Caribbean’s history of colonization, slavery, and indentureship has led to a stratified society where race and color often intersect with class. Post-emancipation, these divisions persisted, influencing contemporary social structures.
What is social mobility?
Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups within the social hierarchy, which can be upward or downward.
What are the types of social mobility?
Horizontal Mobility: Movement within the same social level (e.g., changing jobs within the same class).
Vertical Mobility: Movement up or down the social hierarchy (e.g., promotion or demotion).
Intergenerational Mobility: Changes in social status between different generations within a family.
Intragenerational Mobility: Changes in social status within an individual’s lifetime.
What factors influence social mobility?
Education: Higher educational attainment can lead to better job opportunities.
Occupation: Certain professions offer more opportunities for advancement.
Income: Increased earnings can facilitate upward mobility.
Social Networks: Connections can provide access to opportunities.
Discrimination: Factors like race, gender, and ethnicity can hinder mobility.
How does social mobility occur in the Caribbean context?
In the Caribbean, education is often seen as a primary avenue for upward mobility. However, systemic issues such as economic disparities, limited job markets, and lingering racial biases can impede this process.
Education and Social Mobility in the Caribbean
While education is promoted as a key to upward mobility, disparities in educational quality and access can reinforce existing inequalities. Additionally, the job market may not always align with educational outputs, leading to underemployment.
How do functionalists view social stratification?
Functionalists believe stratification is necessary to ensure that the most important roles are filled by the most qualified individuals, thereby maintaining societal stability.
What is the Davis-Moore thesis?
Proposed by Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore, this thesis posits that social stratification has beneficial consequences for society, as it ensures that key positions are filled by competent individuals who are rewarded accordingly.
What are criticisms of the Davis-Moore thesis?
Critics argue that the thesis overlooks the role of power and privilege in determining rewards, assumes a meritocratic system that may not exist, and fails to account for social barriers that prevent equal competition.
How do conflict theorists explain social stratification?
Conflict theorists argue that stratification results from the domination of resources by powerful groups, leading to the exploitation and oppression of less powerful groups.
What is Karl Marx’s view on stratification?
Marx viewed stratification as a byproduct of capitalism
