Social stratification/inequality Flashcards
Stratification
Hierarchy of large social groups based on control over basic resources
Social mobility
Movement from 1 level in stratification to another level
Intergenerational mobility
Social movement experienced by family members from one generation to the next
Intragenerational mobility
Social movement of individuals within their lifetimes
Slavery
Type of stratifcation that lasts for life and passed down for generations, where someone has control over you
Types of slavery
Adult sex trade, child sex trade, forced labor
What country has the lowest level of slaves?
USA
Multi-generational slavery
Most people aren’t kidnapped- parents sell children into slavery. Don’t have notion of independent life
Where are most slaves used?
Labor
Who’s more likely to become a slave?
Women, girls, children
Caste system
Social stratification system where your status was permanently determined based on your parents. Worked because it brings order, stability, predictability
Class system
Case in US- based on control of resources and type of work people do
Marxist
2 classes (bourgieousie- own means of production. Proletaritat- own labor, sell to bourgeoise for wages)
Bourgeoise
Compensated with wages lower than the value of their labor, inherently exploitative whihc leads to alienation (feelings of powerlessness and estrangement).
Class conflict
Marx predicted revolution, then end of capitalism
Weber
3 dimensions to social stratification (Wealth- value of assets, power- ability to achieve goals despite opposition, prestige- social honor, respect a person’s position gains). Said class wasn’t important, status was
Upper upper class
Top .5%. old $, ivy leaguers.
Lower upper class.
.5-1%. New $, at least 506k/year.
Upper middle class
21%. University degree, income and job autonomy/authority, high prestige occupations.
Middle class
22%. 4 year degree, moderate income
Working class
High school diploma, semiskilled. Hourly wages, not salary
Working poor
26%. Hourly wages. Paycheck to paycheck, no savings. Survive, don’t thrive.
Underclass
3-5%. Not homeless, but close. High rates of unemployment.
4 categories of wealth.
Super rich (.5% of population, 35% of nation’s wealth. Average assets $10 million+)
Very rich (.5-1%. 7% of nation’s wealth, assets about 8 million)
Rich (9%. 30% of nation’s wealth. Assets 1 million+)
Everyone else (90%. 28% of nation’s wealth)
What’s a major determining factor in wealth?
Wealth is often inherited- net worth of average white household is 12x greater than avg black househol
Absolute poverty
Not enough $ for basic necessities of life (<$21720 for family of 3 in US)
Relative poverty
People who can afford basics of life, but below average standard of living (More common, relative)
Who is more affected by poverty?
Children, racial minorities, women
Single mother effect
Single mothers are more likely to live in poverty
Functionalist perspective
Income inequality is inevitable.
Jobs that are more icritical get paid more.
Safety nets are necessary to keep society functioning
Conflict theory
Inequality happens because of unfair systems
Workers are paid less than their worth, profits are put before people
Safety nets need to be expanded to cover more people and services
