Stratification

1
Chapter 9

• Section 1

2
Stratification

• Social stratification is the division of society
  into categories, ranks, or classes.
• Ascribed statuses are ones that we are born with.
• Achieved statuses are ones that are earned.
• We can use both to rank people.

3
Types of Systems

• The caste system is one that is closed meaning
  people cannot move positions.
• Ones birth dictates which status they are in.
• You cannot marry outside of your group and the
  rules are rigid.
• This system was dominate in India along with
  Hinduism.

4
Types of Systems

• The class system is an open system meaning people
  can move their position.
• You get your status based on achieved goals.
• We have people who own means for production and
  those who do the labor.(Marx)

5
Dimensions of Stratification

• Wealth is a persons assets- the value of
  everything the person owns- and income-money
  earned through salaries.
• In the US wealth is in the hands of a small few.
• This is why we have such a small upper class.

6
Dimensions of Stratification

• People with the wealth also have power.
• Power is the ability to control the behavior of
  others.
• Prestige is how a member of society is viewed.
• Some jobs are considered more prestigious than
  others.

7
Explaining Stratification

• The functionalist theory views statuses as a
  necessary feature.
• You must have different people to perform
  different jobs.
• The conflict theory sees the competition for
  goods as the cause for inequality.