Social Stratification A System by Which a Society Ranks Categories of People in a Hierarchy A structure of Inequality Macionis, Sociology Chapter Ten

Basic Principles of Stratification Trait of society Does not reflect individual differences, skills, knowledge, or talents; but society’s structure Generational Social mobility happens slowly Universal but variable While universal, it varies in type by society Involves not just inequality but beliefs Ideologies & values define & justify existence of social stratification

Social Mobility Upward Downward Horizontal Intragenerational College degree or higher-paying job Downward Drop out of school, losing a job or divorce Horizontal Changing jobs and getting the same compensation Intragenerational Change in social position during one’s lifetime Intergenerational mobility in relation to one’s parents

Stratification Systems Class Vs. Caste Caste – closed – birth determines future Class – open – some mobility We also have Estate Systems Ownership of property Feudal societies Kingdoms

The Caste System Social stratification based on ascription Birth = social position in four ways Occupation Marriage within caste Social life is restricted to “own kind” Belief systems are tied to religious dogma Caste system is illegal, but elements survive Apartheid in South Africa Slavery India

Class Systems Social stratification based on birth and individual achievement Social mobility for people with education and skills & networks All people gain equal standing before the law Meritocracy: personal merit - skills Low status consistency across dimensions of social inequality

Karl Marx: Class and Conflict This Relationship Creates Class Conflict Own productive property “bourgeoisie” Work for others “proletariat” Capitalism creates great inequality in power and wealth This oppression would drive the working majority to organize and overthrow the capitalism

Was Marx Right? Wealth still remains highly concentrated 40% of privately owned property in 1% of population White-collar jobs offer little over past century in income, security or satisfaction Workers benefits came from struggle Conflict and distrust still remain as obstacles between management and workers Little has been won recently Law still protects private property of rich

Max Weber: Class, Status, and Power Class position Socioeconomic status (SES) Composite ranking based on various dimensions of social inequality “classes” a continuum from high to low Status = social prestige Power Does not always reflect status or SES

Dimensions of Class: SES Income Occupational wages and earnings from investments Wealth The total value of money and other assets, minus any debt Social power The ability to control, even in the face of resistance Occupational prestige Job-related status Schooling (any education or training) Key to better (more) career opportunities

The Davis-Moore Thesis Social stratification has beneficial consequences for the operation of a society The greater the importance of a position, the more rewards a society attaches to it Egalitarian societies offer little incentive for people to try their best Where do they stand Critical evaluation