Chapter 9 Section 1
Chapter 9 Section 1Systems of StratificationAlmost every society
in the history of the world has separated its members on the basis
of certain characteristics. Ascribed: AncestryRaceAgePhysical
appearanceGenderEtc.Achieved: Education Occupation
Stratification in Ancient Egypt and in Mayan CultureTypes of
Stratification SystemsClosed Systems: movement between the strata
is impossible. Assigned status at birth and remain there throughout
life.
Open Systems: movement between strata is possible.
Closed systemsTransitional SystemsOpen system s
(USA)upperloweruppermiddleloweruppermiddlelowerCaste Systems:
Scarce resources and social rewards are distributed on the basis of
ascribed status. Determined by ones parents. Indian Caste
System.
For more information on caste systems please refer to pp.206-207
in text. Class Systems: The distribution of scarce resources and
rewards is determined on the basis of achieved statuses. With
talent, effort, and opportunity, individuals can move up the social
class ladder. (The opposite is also true).
The Dimensions of Social StratificationSocial Class is a
grouping of people with similar levels of wealth, power, and
prestige. Wealth: is made up of ones assets.
In the U.S., wealth is concentrated in the hands of a small
minority of the population. See Chart p. 208 in text
The richest 1% of the population controls more than one third of
the countrys wealth.
PowerThe ability to control the behavior of others, with or
without their consent.
Can be based on force, a special skill, knowledge, a status
(rational legal authority), personal characteristics (charismatic
authority), or custom and tradition (traditional authority). Case
Study p.106, old text, read aloud in class.
PrestigeThe respect, honor, recognition, or courtesy an
individual receives from other members of society.
In the U.S. occupation tends to be most important in determining
prestige. Chart p.209 in textbook.
Explaining StratificationFunctionalist Theory: Necessary
feature, must perform certain roles to maintain order. The more
important the role, the greater the reward. Critics say: not
everyone has equal access to education, some rewards do not reflect
the social value of the role (Actors and athletes with huge
salaries).
$127,902,706 in 2007, in 2010 (after his issues) still the top
paid athlete at only $110 Million/year.U2, $130 million AC/DC, $114
million Beyonce Knowles, $87 million Bruce Springsteen, $70 million
Britney Spears, $64 million Jay-Z, $63 million Lady Gaga, $62
million Madonna, $58 million Kenny Chesney, $50 million Black Eyed
Peas / Cold Play / Toby Keith, $48 million
Between June 2009 and June 2010, Johnny Depp pulled in $75
million, Sandra Bullock $56 million, not too shabby.Conflict
Theory: Competition over scarce resources is the cause of social
inequality. Critics say: not everyone is suited for every position
in the social structure.
Balance?
