Stratification: Class and Caste
Social Stratification Results from inequal distribution of goods Distribution depends on cultural values, organization of production, and access to societal goals Inequality ingrained in industrialized state societies
Social Stratification Why is stratification found in state societies? Functionalism – cultural institutions support the structure of society Society benefits because the class system ensures all necessary jobs will be filled For example, doctor’s income high because extensive training However, inequality not always justified, eg nurses, teachers – lots of training, little pay
Social Stratification Conflict theory – inequality is a natural source of conflict and change Struggle for goods, have vs have-not, hegemony and force
Social Stratification Criteria of stratification Power – ability to control resources Wealth – accumulation of resources or ability to produce resources Prestige – social honor or respect Occupational power, income, value to society
Ascription and Achievement Ascribed status – born into, sex, race, kinship, caste - closed system Achieved status – earned, marital status, profession, skills, class - open system
Ascription and Achievement Ascribed status – born into, sex, race, kinship, caste - closed system Achieved status – earned, marital status, profession, skills - open system Open system – class – social mobility
Social Class in the U.S. Upward social mobility = the American dream With hard work you can have a better life Assumes equal opportunity Gap between classes growing More billionaires, everyone else slow to improve Now takes 5 generations to escape poverty Life chances – opportunity to fulfill potential, directly linked to social class position
Social Class in the U.S. Life chances built on material basis of class Income to cover basic needs, food, clothing, shelter, health care, education Opportunity to participate in social culture in comfort and security Income inequality increasing
Social Class in the U.S. Debt accumulation contributes to inequalities Gap between rising costs and stagnant incomes covered by credit card debt Problem worst in African-American and Latinos because with less collateral and savings, traditional banks won’t lend, driving them to predatory lenders
Social Class in the U.S. Debt accumulation contributes to inequalities Gap between rising costs and stagnant incomes covered by credit card debt Problem worst in African-American and Latinos because with less collateral and savings, traditional banks won’t lend, driving them to predatory lenders
Caste While class is achieved, cast is ascribed Belong to caste of parents Marry member of own caste Castes are ranked Cast found in South Asia, West Africa, traditional Europe (peasants and nobility), and India
Caste in India In India caste system reinforced by Hinduism Brahmins – priests and scholars Kshatriyas – rulers and warriors Vaisyas – merchants Shudras – workers and atrisans Harijans – untouchables, named children of God by Ghandi Dalits – leather tanners, latrine cleaners
Caste in India Castes do not eat together, high castes will not accept food from lower castes Dalits are segregated, do not draw water from same wells Jajmani – client-patron relationships between artisan and serving casts and landownwers
Caste in India Traditional forms of maintaining caste boundaries are not legal in India, constitution protects all human rights But unofficial economic sanctions and force will be used against those who try to break out of caste Elite believe lower castes are content with their role in life but protest movements and attempts to break down caste indicate lower castes feel they are being exploited
Caste in India Lower castes that have accumulated wealth, eg leather tanners when demand for shoe leather increased, may try to raise status as a group by claiming purer origin, taking on practices of higher caste New occupations have weakened caste boundaries but people still tend to marry in caste