Overview
This lecture covers the concept of social stratification, the systems and structures that determine social standing, the dynamics of mobility, global and U.S. class structures, and sociological perspectives on inequality.
Introduction to Social Stratification
- Social stratification refers to ranking people in a society based on wealth, income, education, family background, and power.
- Socioeconomic status (SES) defines an individual's position within stratification.
- Stratification is shaped by both personal effort and broader social systems, not just individual choices.
Systems of Stratification
- Closed systems (e.g., caste, estate, slavery) offer little social mobility; open systems (e.g., class systems) allow movement between strata.
- Caste systems fix social standing by birth and often dictate occupation and marriage.
- Class systems combine social factors and individual achievement, allowing for social mobility.
- Meritocracy is an ideal system where advancement is based solely on individual merit, though no society is entirely meritocratic.
- Status consistency refers to alignment (or not) of a person's social categories (e.g., education, wealth, occupation).
U.S. Social Class Structure
- U.S. classes: Upper (wealthiest 1%, significant power), Middle (divided into upper and lower middle classes based on education and job), and Lower (working class, working poor, underclass).
- Class traits (or markers) are typical behaviors, customs, and lifestyle indicators associated with each class, though they can blur and stereotype.
- Wealth is the primary distinguishing factor; power and control over one ’s life varies by class.
Social Mobility and Poverty
- Social mobility is the ability to move between social classes, either upward or downward.
- Intergenerational mobility refers to changes across generations; intragenerational mobility refers to changes within an individual's life.
- Structural mobility results from societal shifts affecting large groups.
- Poverty is measured as relative (comparison to median income) or absolute (inability to meet basic needs).
- The feminization of poverty means women, especially single mothers, are more likely to be poor.
Global Stratification
- Global stratification assesses countries based on wealth, power, and standard of living.
- Models use GDP, GNP, GNI, and PPP to rank countries economically.
- More developed nations have higher standards of living and life expectancy than less developed ones.
Theoretical Perspectives on Stratification
- Functionalism: Stratification ensures important roles are filled by qualified people and rewards them accordingly (Davis-Moore thesis).
- Conflict Theory: Stratification benefits the wealthy and powerful, perpetuating inequality (Marx’s bourgeoisie vs. proletariat).
- Symbolic Interactionism: Daily interactions and material symbols reflect and reinforce social standing and group identity.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Social Stratification — a society's hierarchical ranking of people by resources and power.
- Socioeconomic Status (SES) — an individual’s social position based on income, education, and occupation.
- Closed System — a stratification system with little or no mobility (e.g., caste).
- Open System — a stratification system with potential for mobility (e.g., class).
- Caste System — a hereditary social ranking with no mobility.
- Class System — social ranking based on both birth and achievement, with possible mobility.
- Meritocracy — an ideal system where advancement is based solely on individual merit.
- Status Consistency — alignment of a person’s social statuses (income, education, etc.).
- Social Mobility — a change in social position within the stratification system.
- Intergenerational Mobility — changes in status between different generations in a family.
- Intragenerational Mobility — changes in status within an individual’s life.
- Structural Mobility — mobility resulting from societal changes.
- Relative Poverty — poverty defined as having less than others in society.
- Absolute Poverty — poverty defined as lacking basic life necessities.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review class structure categories and their characteristics for quizzes.
- Read the next textbook chapter on poverty and social policy.
- Prepare examples of mobility (upward, downward, structural) from current events for discussion.