Lecture on Social Stratification and Meritocracy

Key Concepts

Meritocracy and its Challenges

• The concept of meritocracy suggests that success is based on talent and hard work.
• There are examples where meritocracy is questioned:
  • Kim Kardashian's Earnings:
    • Earns the average annual salary of a doctor (US) in one day and nine hours.
    • Earns the average salary of a teacher in North Carolina in eight hours.
• Not all wealthy individuals are associated with intelligence or talent.

Examples of Stratification

• Sports and State Championships:
  • Wealthier schools tend to win more championships.
  • Factors contributing to this include extra funding for equipment, coaches, and travel teams derived from affluent booster clubs.

Generational Stratification

• Social status tends to persist across generations.
  • Children Born in the Poorest 20 Percentile:
    • 43% remain in the poorest 20%.
    • 68% stay near the bottom.
  • Children Born in the Richest Quintile:
    • 64% stay in the top 40%.
• Very few achieve significant upward social mobility ("rags to riches" stories).

Stratification as a Societal Trait

• Not a Reflection of Individual Differences:
  • Differences in health, education, and SAT performance are traits of society.
  • Income-based stratification leads to inequality in resources and opportunities.
• Funding disparities affect educational quality and outcomes.

Important Points

• Social stratification is inherent in society and reflects broader societal structures.
• Understanding how stratification affects social class, race, and gender will be covered in upcoming modules.

---

Exam Note

• A question on the exam will refer to the concept that social stratification is a societal trait. This is not merely a reflection of individual differences.