Social Inequality Flashcards
Upward Mobility
- Someone who rises from a lower social position to a higher one is said to be displaying upwards mobility
False Consciousness
Referes to people’s misperception of the true nature of their social and economic situation, especially when it leads them to act in ways that perpetuate their subordinate status
Class Misidentification
Is not a term commonly used in sociology. If it were, it would appear to refer to the belief that one is actually a member of a social class other than ones own, rather than support for policies than benefits that other class
Meritocratic principles
- Is a system within which political and economic rewards are based on ability, effort, and achievements rather than social class.
- Are unrelated to economic policies based on social class
Horizontal Mobility
- Refers to the movement from one job or social position to another without a change in social status.
Social Stratification
- Is a society system of social standing
- Some basic aspects include class, status, and power.
Class
Is the grouping of individuals in a stratifies social hierarchy, usually based on wealth, education and occupation.
Status
Is one’s relative social position within a group, such as the matriarch of a family.
Power
Is one’s ability to make others do one’s will, whether or not the others wants to such as a judge, or boss at worl
Cultural Capital
- Is the accumulation of knowledge, behaviours and skills that a person can utilize to demonstrate their cultural competence and social status.
- Someone can gain cultural capital because they hold advanced degrees or are familiar with group customs, local foods, holidays or rituals
Social Capital
- Is advantages gained by one’s social network, like from networking or insider knowledge of a group
Social Reproduction
- A phrase coined by Karl Marx, emphasizes the structures and activities that may transmit social inequality and inequity, from generation to generation
Privilege
- Is any advantage that is unearned, exclusive and socially conferred
- It is a characteristic of the social system → it is not necessarily doled out individually or earned.
Prestige
- The esteem or reputation associated with one’s position in society
- Unlike privilege, prestige can be earned through achievement, or inherited through the social system, such as honouring a distinguished journalist with the Pulitzer Prizer.
Social Mobility
Referes to the ability to change class, status or power dynamics