1. Unit 3 Social Inequality
Chapter 8
Social Stratification
Section 1
Systems of Stratification

2. Main Idea
Many societies rank their members based on certain criteria, this process is called social stratification

3. Learning Objectives
Identify the characteristics of the two types of stratification systems
Identify the three dimensions of social stratification
Understand how the major theories explaining social stratification differ

4. Types of Stratification
Social stratification is the division of society into categories, ranks, or classes.
Both ascribed and achieved statuses can be used to determine social standing.
These divisions lead to social inequality—the unequal sharing of resources and social rewards.
Stratification systems lie on a continuum of open to closed systems according to how easy or difficult it is to change statuses.

5. Types of Stratification
1) Caste Systems: Closed stratification system
Resources and social rewards distributed based on ascribed statuses
Lifelong status determined by that of parents
Prohibits exogamy, or marriage outside of caste; promotes endogamy, or marriage within caste
Caste system in India has been challenged but still plays a major role

7. Types of Stratification
2) Class Systems: more open than closed stratification system
Resources and rewards distributed according to achieved statuses
Some control over place in society
Marx divided society into:
Bourgeoisie, or the owners of the means of production
Proletariat, or workers who sell their labor in exchange for wages
Weber described three factors of class:
Property
Prestige
Power

8. Describe the continuum of open and closed stratification systems.
Reading Check
Contrast
Describe the continuum of open and closed stratification systems.
Answer: closed caste systems at extreme of continuum with no social mobility, class systems closer to other end of continuum depending on how much mobility they offer

9. The Dimensions of Social Stratification
Many sociologists adopt Weber’s view of social stratification. They define Social Class as a grouping of people with similar levels of wealth, power, and prestige.

10. The Dimensions of Social Stratification
Wealth: equals assets—value of everything the person owns—and income—money earned through salaries, investment returns, or other capital gains
In the United States, 1 percent of population controls one-third of wealth

11. The Dimensions of Social Stratification
Power: is the ability to control the behavior of others, with or without their consent
Can be based on force, a special skill or type of knowledge, particular social status, personal characteristics, or custom and tradition

12. The Dimensions of Social Stratification
Prestige: is the respect, honor, recognition, or courtesy an individual receives
Occupation, education, family background, and area of residence are common factors in most societies

13. The Dimensions of Social Stratification
To rank people according to wealth, power, and prestige, sociologists often calculate people’s
Socioeconomic status/class
(SEC/SES)
a rating that combines social factors such as educational level, occupational prestige, and place of residence with the economic factor of income.