Social Stratification and Mobility

Social Classes

• Lower Class:
  • Comprises individuals in manual, labor-intensive, low-wage jobs.
• Middle Class:
  • Consists of professionals in better-paying jobs.
• Upper Class:
  • Includes wealthy businesspeople, industry leaders, and individuals with significant family wealth.
  • Occupy prominent positions in society.

Income Correlation

• A person's class position often correlates with their income level.

Social Mobility

• Horizontal Mobility:

  • Movement within the same class level.
  • Example: An accountant switching jobs within the same role in different companies.

• Vertical Mobility:

  • Movement up or down the social hierarchy.
  • Upward example: A manager becoming a CEO.
  • Downward example: A manager demoted to a lower-paying job.

Social Constructs

Caste System

• Limited social mobility due to birth-determined roles.
• Provides social stability as social structures remain unchanged.
• Historically exemplified by the Hindu caste system.

Class System

• Allows for some social mobility based on both background and ability.
• Less social stability compared to the caste system.
• Changes in social position can occur through factors like education.

Meritocracy

• Idealized system where social position is based entirely on ability and achievements.
• Promotes extreme social mobility.
• Not heavily influenced by place of birth or parental background.
• Results in less social stability due to frequent changes in social positions.
• Example: U.S. is sometimes viewed as moving towards meritocracy.

Comparison of Systems

• Caste System:
  • High social stability, low social mobility.
• Class System:
  • Moderate social mobility, moderate stability.
• Meritocracy:
  • High social mobility, low social stability.