Race, class, and gender Flashcards
the stratification systems
slavery
caste system- status determined by birth
estate system- ownership of land
social class- based on economic status, wealth, and income
stratification: structural-functionalist
stratification in essential for society to function
inequality exists in all societies and is necessary for maintaining order and efficiency
important jobs must offer more pay to attract prestige
poverty ensures “unskilled” labor is always done
stratification: conflict theory
social inequality is a source of conflict and unhappiness - not a societal necessity
stratification arises from an unequal distribution of resources (money, land, healthcare, education)
those in high levels control resource distribution & serve their own interests
US class distinctions
upper class
middle class
working class
poor
working class
people employed in factory, clerical, or low-wage sales jobs
economic instability
“unskilled” labor
classifications of poor
absolute deprivation:
capacity to secure fundamental necessities
relative deprivation:
poor in relation to a specific standard/society
Oscar Lewis “culture of poverty”
poverty is not about lack of financial/economic resources, but about certain “traits” that keep the poor in a cycle of poverty
intersection of race and social class
“money whitens” - financial status can elevate racial status
lighter skin tones = better socio-economic status
relationships between prejudice and discrimination
unprejudiced non-discriminator
prejudiced discriminator
prejudiced non-discriminator
unprejudiced discriminator
gender performativity
challenges traditional notions of gender as something inherent, fixed, and biologically determined
gender: biological perspective
biological differences between men and women influence their roles in society
differences in aggressiveness, cognitive ability, and strength
gender: conflict perspective
inherent conflict of interest between men and women shapes sex roles
women accept male dominance due to socialization
gender inequality becomes a social problem when women realize their oppression and possibility for change
economic competition contributes to sexual inequality
gender: functionalist
pre-industrial: practical considerations- men strength, women nursing
industrial:
instrumental (goal-oriented) for men
expressive (relationship-focused)
social problem arises when sex-role divisions no longer match society’s needs
gender: interactionist perspective
interaction patterns play a role in maintaining and reinforcing beliefs and practices related to gender inequality
gender inequality becomes a social problem when consensus and shared expectations about men and women’s roles are lacking
