Socio Economic Stratification

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Socio Economic Stratification

Welcome Class


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Todays Objectives

To Clarify the Concept of Social Stratification and

Discus its other relevant aspects.

To Discus Related Theories and Consequences of

Social Stratification.


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Definitions of Social Stratification

What is Social Stratification?

1. Social Stratification is the division of society in permanent

groups or categories linked with each other by the

relationship of superior and subordination. (Gisbert)

2. Stratification is a division of society into higher and lower

social units. (Raymond W.Murray)


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Conclusion of definition

1) Social stratification is the division of society levels, steps

or positions.

2) Stratification is, in essence, the structured inequality of

entire categories of People.

3) Stratification is different than mere inequality, which refer to

the uneven distribution of opportunities and rewards to

individuals and groups.

4) When these inequalities becomes structured into society and

passed on from generation to generation, we have social

Stratification.


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Dimensions of Social Stratification

1. Wealth:- The economic assets of an individual, includingincome, monetary assets and other holdings.

2. Power:- The ability to attain goals and maintain influenceover others, even in the absence of their consent.

3. Prestige:- The approval and respect received from othermembers of society.


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Consequences of Social Stratification

a) Longevity

b) Health and illness

c) Childbearing and Rearing

d) Crime and Criminal Justice Contacts


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Theories of Social Stratification

Functionalist Theory

1. Functionalist theory understands society as a System orOrganism

2. As functionalists, Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moorecontended that stratification was a necessity for society

because:

3. Society has numerous positions that must be fulfilled if it isto function properly.


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( Continue) Functionalist Theory

4. Some positions, however are more important for the

maintenance of society ( e.g., physicians )

5. Finally, some positions require special talents that are not

generally prevalent in the population.

6. Hence, functionally important positions and/or positionsrequiring rare talent are rewarded most highly.


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Criticisms of Functional Theory

Judgment of Functional Importance of Positions

Critics question the functional importance of certain highly

rewarded positions such as actors and sports figures, in contrastto positions such as school teachers or social workers.

The stratification system itself Inhibits Talent and Abilities Many barriers are placed in the way of individuals from lower

classes to keep them from competing effectively.


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Marxist Conflict Theory

1. Suggest that social stratification is determined by theRelations of Production.

2. Bourgeoisie- capitalists who own the means of production.

3. Proletariat- wage laborers who sell their labor tobourgeoisie.

4. Interests of these two classes are opposed.

5. Power of the capitalists allows them to impose their will andrealize their interests.

6. According to Marx, the proletariat will eventually develop aclass consciousness, and ultimately overthrow thecapitalists.


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Comparing Functional and Conflict Theories

What is Caste? Definition of Caste

When a class is somewhat strictly hereditary, we may call it a

Caste. (Cooly, C.H) When status is wholly predetermined, so that men are born to

their lot in life without any hope of changing it, then Class

takes the form of Caste. (Maclver)

A Caste is an aggregate of persons whose share of obligationsand privileges is fixed by birth, sanctioned and supported by

magic and religion. ( Martindale and Monachesi) .


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Distinction between Class and Caste


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Social lass i a ista

Sociologist are ot agreed as to how social lasses Should beDisti guished.

Most ommonly, 5 lasses are Identified:

Upper lass

Upper-Middle lass

Lower-Middle lass

Wo

r in

g lass Lower lass

Each of these lasses represent Differences is both Income andLifestyle haracteristics .


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Thank you and Goodbye,

Till next Class

Documents

Socio Economic Stratification