Social Mobility

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Social Mobility

• www.educationforum.co.uk

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What is Social Stratification?

• Social stratification is ...the division of
  society into levels, steps or positions
• Stratification is, in essence, the structured
  inequality of entire categories of people
• Stratification is different than mere inequality,
  which refers to the uneven distribution of
  opportunities and rewards to individuals and
  groups.
• When these inequalities becomes structured into
  society and passed on from generation to
  generation, we have social stratification

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Social Mobility

• Social mobility refers to the movement of persons
  or groups from one social stratum to another
• Social mobility is more possible in open
  societies which provide greater opportunities for
  mobility, than in closed societies which fixes
  ones position at birth
• Sociologists distinguish between several types of
  mobility

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Types of Social Mobility Types of Social Mobility
Direction of Movement Direction of Movement
Across Up or Down
Horizontal Mobility Vertical Mobility
Time Frame for Mobility Time Frame for Mobility
Single Generation Two or More Generations
Intra-generational Mobility Inter-generational Mobility
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Factors Affecting Social Mobility

• Sociologists have identified several
  structural-level factors which impact the
  likelihood of social mobility
• Economic Conditions
• Chance
• Population Number of people in the workforce
• Education
• Openness of society

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Absolute and Relative Mobility

• Absolute Mobility
• Is defined as the overall numbers of individuals
  from specific origins reaching particular class
  locations and is expressed as a percentage.
• E.G. between 1950 and 1972 16 of working class
  boys had reached middle class locations
• Between 1945 and 1980 there was significant
  absolute mobility in British society can you
  think of any reasons why

• Relative mobility
• Refers to the relative chances of mobility from
  particular classes across generations by using
  relative mobility data it is possible to assess
  whether society is becoming more or less open
• Since 1980 the relative chances of mobility
  (compared to previous generations) has slowed
  down can you think of any reasons why?

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Types of Stratification Systems

• Caste systems are very rigid, closed systems of
  stratification based on ascribed characteristics
  such as skin color or family identity
• Estate systems are also closed systems based
  largely on inheritance
• Class systems are open systems that permit
  meaningful social mobility

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Dimensions of Social Stratification

• Wealththe economic assets of an individual,
  including income, monetary assets and other
  holdings
• Powerthe ability to attain goals and maintain
  influence over others, even in the absence of
  their consent
• Prestigethe approval and respect received from
  other members of society

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Theories of Stratification Functionalist Theory

• You will remember that functionalist theory
  understands society as a system or organism
• As functionalists, Kingsley Davis and Wilbert
  Moore contended that stratification was a
  necessity for society because
• Society has numerous positions that must be
  fulfilled if it is to function properly
• Some positions, however are more important for
  the maintenance of society (e.g., physicians)
• Finally, some positions require special talents
  that are not generally prevalent in the
  population
• Hence, functionally important positions and/or
  positions requiring rare talent are rewarded most
  highly

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Criticisms of Functional Theory

• Are highly rewarded roles really functional?
• Critics question the functional importance of
  certain highly rewarded positions such as actors
  and sports figures, in contrast to positions such
  as school teachers or social workers
• The Stratification System itself Inhibits Talent
  and Abilities
• Many barriers are placed in the way of
  individuals from lower classes to keep them from
  competing effectively

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Theories of Stratification Marxist Conflict
Theory

• Suggests that social stratification is determined
  by the relations of production
• bourgeoisie--capitalists who own the means of
  production
• proletariat--wage laborers who sell their labor
  to bourgeoisie
• Interests of these two classes are intrinsically
  opposed
• Power of the capitalists allows them to impose
  their will and realize their interests
• According to Marx, the proletariat will
  eventually develop a class consciousness, and
  ultimately overthrow the capitalists

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Comparing Functional and Conflict Theories Comparing Functional and Conflict Theories
Functional Theory Marxist Theory
Stratification is universal, necessary and inevitable Stratification is universal, but not necessary or inevitable
The social system shapes the stratification system The stratification system shapes the social system
Stratification arises from societal need for integration and coordination Stratification arises from group competition and conflict
Stratification facilitates the optimal functioning of society Stratification impedes the optimal functioning of society
Stratification is an expression of commonly shared social values Stratification is an expression of the values of powerful groups
Power is distributed legitimately in society Power is distributed illegitimately in society
Tasks and rewards are allocated equitably Tasks and rewards are not allocated equitably
The economic dimension is subordinate to other dimensions of society The economic dimension is paramount in society
Stratification systems generally change through evolution Stratification systems change through revolution
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Revision Questions

• What is the difference between inequality and
  stratification?
• How can social mobility be defined?
• What factors affect social mobility?
• What type of stratification system allows for
  stratification?
• What are the three dimensions of social
  stratification?
• How do functionalists view stratification?
• How can functionalism be criticised?
• How do Marxists view stratification?
• Why was there significant absolute mobility
  1945-80?
• Why have the current generations chances of
  social mobility (relative mobility) declined
  since 1980?