Social Inequality

Learning Objectives

Explain the interconnectedness between stratification, economics, politics, subsistence, and kinship.

Demonstrate and understanding of basic concepts in cultural anthropology.

Distinguish between open and closed systems. Distinguish between sex and gender.

Anthropology’s Interest in Inequality

SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

Social Stratification

A system by which a ___________ ___________________________

Access to resources What is a resources? Is it purely

economical?

Open vs Closed Systems

Stratification systems are eitherClosed: ____________________

Open: ____________________

Checkpoint:What does mobility mean?

Closed Systems

________________________________

Caste systems

Checkpoint: What are ascribed characteristics?

Caste Example: Japan’s Feudal Caste SystemFeudalist era

Very complex cast systemTouchable Untouchable

Open Systems

_______________________________Class systems

Checkpoint:What are achieved characteristics?

Can you think of a culture with a class system?

GENDERAND

GENDER STRATIFICATION

What is Gender? Sex = biology

Sexual identity affects behavior

Gender1.2.

KEY POINT: Gender, in several cultures, is not ________________

Terms for Lecture

Gender Roles_____________________________ [Distinguish between: Prestige systems & Power

given in society]Gender stereotypes

____________________________________Gender stratification

___________________________________

Gender Stratification

Deviations Boat making among the ________________

Boats used to cross Missouri River were made by women

Gender Stratification

Gender Stratification

Deviations Hunting among Mbuti ‘pygmies’

Africa’s Ituri forestWomen _______________

Today men also hunt but their goal is centered on obtaining bushmeat for market sales

Gender Stratification

Gender Roles & Stratification

Interconnected with ______________

Generally observed when:_ subsistence contribution is lower than _Example: Foraging groups

____________________What happens when gathering

prominent?