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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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