Social Stratification Flashcards
What is social stratification?
Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in a society based on factors like wealth, income, education, occupation, and power. It determines access to resources and opportunities in society.
What are the different social classes in the UK?
The traditional social classes in the UK include the upper class, middle class, working class, and underclass. These classes are often based on factors such as wealth, occupation, education, and family background.
What is the functionalist view of social stratification?
Functionalists, particularly Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore, argue that social stratification is necessary for the functioning of society. It ensures that the most important roles are filled by the most talented individuals, and rewards like income and prestige motivate people to work hard.
What is the Marxist view of social stratification?
Marxists view social stratification as a result of exploitation. They argue that society is divided into two main classes: the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (workers). The bourgeoisie control wealth and power, while the proletariat are exploited for their labor.
What is the Weberian view of social stratification?
Max Weber expanded on Marx’s theory by emphasizing that stratification is not just about economic class, but also includes status and power. People are stratified based on wealth (economic class), prestige (status), and the ability to influence others (power).
What is the underclass in social stratification?
The underclass refers to a group of people in society who are disadvantaged, often living in poverty and lacking stable employment. They typically have limited access to education and other opportunities, and their lives may be marked by social exclusion.
What is the difference between ascribed and achieved status?
Ascribed status refers to a social position that someone is born into, such as race, gender, or social class. Achieved status refers to a social position that a person earns through their own actions, efforts, and achievements, such as becoming a doctor or an athlete.
What is meritocracy?
Meritocracy is a system where individuals’ social standing is based on their abilities, achievements, and merits, rather than their social background. In a meritocratic society, people are rewarded based on their hard work and talent.
What is the concept of social mobility?
Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social hierarchy. It is influenced by factors like education, employment opportunities, and the socio-economic background of an individual.
What are the barriers to social mobility?
Barriers to social mobility include poverty, lack of access to quality education, discrimination, and limited employment opportunities. These factors can limit an individual’s ability to improve their social standing.
What is relative poverty?
Relative poverty refers to an individual’s or household’s income being significantly lower than the average in their society. It means that they cannot afford the standard of living that is considered normal or acceptable within their society.
What is absolute poverty?
Absolute poverty refers to the condition in which people lack the basic necessities of life, such as food, clean water, shelter, and clothing. It is a measure of poverty that focuses on survival rather than relative inequality.
What is the difference between wealth and income?
Income is the flow of money that individuals receive regularly, such as wages or salaries. Wealth is the total value of assets that an individual or household owns, including property, savings, and investments.
What is the role of education in social stratification?
Education plays a key role in social stratification as it affects an individual’s future job prospects and income level. Those with higher educational qualifications are more likely to access higher-paying jobs, leading to a higher social class, while those with lower education may be restricted to lower-paying jobs.
What is social exclusion?
Social exclusion refers to the process by which certain groups or individuals are marginalized and denied access to key social, economic, and cultural resources, leading to their isolation from mainstream society.
What is the gender pay gap?
The gender pay gap refers to the difference in average earnings between men and women. It is a key example of inequality in society, with women often earning less than men for similar work or work of equal value.
How does race affect social stratification?
Race can influence an individual’s position in the social hierarchy due to historical and structural inequalities. Discrimination based on race can limit access to education, employment, and other opportunities, leading to social stratification along racial lines.
What is the concept of life chances in social stratification?
Life chances refer to the opportunities individuals have to improve their quality of life and achieve their goals. These opportunities are influenced by factors such as class, gender, ethnicity, and education.
What is social class inequality?
Social class inequality refers to the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and prestige between different social classes. Those in higher social classes typically have more resources and opportunities, while those in lower classes face disadvantages and limited mobility.
What are the consequences of social stratification?
Social stratification can lead to unequal access to resources, power, and opportunities. It often results in social inequality, poverty, limited social mobility, and social exclusion for those in lower social classes.
