Dimensions of Stratification Lesson 8-1a

Introduction Read using your sociological imagination on p. 241

A. A B. B C. C Section 1-Polling Question Which characteristic do you think determines a person’s social class? A.Wealth B.Power C.Fame

Social Stratification and Social Class Dr. Suess Sneetches – Rank depends on if they have a star on their stomach George Orwell’s Animal Farm Both show how humans tend to form ranks

Social Stratification and Social Class Social stratification- creation of layers (strata) of people who possess unequal shares of scarce resources – Income, power, prestige Each layer in stratified system is a social class – A segment of the population whose members hold similar amounts of scarce resources and share values, norms, and a lifestyle.

World View 1 Poverty and Death Source: World Health Organization, World Health Statistics 2005.

A. A B. B C. C D. D Section 1 How many social classes do you think exist in the U.S. today? A.0–1 B.2–3 C.4–5 D.More than 5

Social Stratification and Social Class The number of social classes in a society varies Look at the map on p. 243

Social Stratification and Social Class Read “An Outsiders View of American Society”

The Economic Dimension Karl Marx defined those who had the means of production as the bourgeoisie (rulers) Those who worked for wages called proletariet- (ruled) – The only thing of value they have this their labor

Extremes of Income and Poverty In the United States Income- the amount of money received within a given time period to an individual or group Wealth- all economic resources possessed by an individual or group.

Extremes of Income and Poverty In the United States million Americans living in poverty Ten million millionaires Fifty- billionaires The richest 20% of American families received over 49% of the nation’s income. The poorest 20% controlled 4%.

A. A B. B C. C Section 1 According to Marx, a construction worker would be considered part of which class? A.Proletariat B.Bourgeoisie C.Neither

Figure 8.2 Shares of Wealth Source: Edward N. Wolff, “Changes in Household Wealth in the 1980s and 1990s in the U.S.” (Working Paper No. 407). The Levy Economics Institute, May 2004.

Four Different Income Brackets In The United States

This chart shows different income brackets in the United States

The Power Dimension Power is the ability to control the behavior of others, even against their will. According to Marx, those who control the capital, have the power in a society. Power is also attached to the social positions we hold. Can overcome a lack of wealth if large numbers on your side or skilled at organizing resources.

A. A B. B C. C Section 1 Do you think if a person is wealthy, they are also powerful? A.Yes B.No C.Not sure

The Prestige Dimension Prestige- recognition, respect, and admiration attached to social positions It is defined by your culture and society

A. A B. B C. C D. D Section 1 In your opinion, which position is more prestigious A.Doctor B.Lawyer C.Professional athlete D. Politician

The Prestige Dimension Prestige must be voluntarily given. – Must come from others People with similar levels of prestige share identifiable lifestyles Some sociologists view social classes as subcultures because members have a distinctive way of life.

How is prestige distributed? Social positions considered most important have the most prestige Most people achieve prestige due to their occupations White collar occupations have more prestige than blue collar jobs.

Figure 8.3 Prestige Rankings of Selected Occupations in the United States

Prestige Rankings Look at chart on p. 247 Which jobs are most significant? What jobs are insignificant? What jobs could we do without? What does this say about prestige and ranking? How would you change the rankings?

Prestige Use picture on p. 248 Rank the following people based on prestige Compare your lists How did your rank people? Is this fair?

Prestige How does clothing serve as a uniform for prestige?