Chapter 10, Social Stratification

Key terms

  social differentiation

The process by which different statuses in any group, organization or society develop.  

statuses Refers to a socially defined position in a group or society.

  social stratification

The fixed, hierarchical arrangements of status differences by which groups have different access to power, resources, and perceived social worth.

estate systemsOwnership of property and exercise of power is monopolized by an elite who have total control over societal resources.

  caste system

Rigid hierarchy of classes, often preserved through formal law and cultural practices that present free association and movement between classes. 

class systemStatus is partially achieved and there is some potential for movement from one class to another.

  social class

The social structural position a group holds relative to the economic, social, political, and cultural resources of society.

life chancesThe opportunities that people have in common by virtue of belonging to a particular class.

  means of production

System by which goods are produced and distributed.

status attainmentThe process by which people end up in a given position in the stratification process.

socioeconomic status (SES) Derived from income, occupational prestige, and education.

median incomeMidpoint of all household incomes.

  occupational prestige

Refers to the subjective evaluation people tie to jobs.

educational attainment.Total years of formal education.

  wealth

Monetary value of everything one owns. 

IncomeAmount of money brought into a household from various sources.

  class consciousness

Perception that a class structure exists and the feeling of shared identification with others in one's class.  

false consciousnessClass-consciousness of subordinate classes who have internalized the view of the dominant class.

   social mobility

A person's movement over time from one class to another.

poverty lineThe amount of money needed to support the basic needs of a household, as determined by the government.

feminization of povertyIncreasing proportion of the poor who are women and children.  

culture of poverty Contends that poverty is its own cause.