DEFINITION: the ranking of individuals based on the unequal
distribution of power, prestige & propertyDEFINITION: the
ranking of individuals based on the unequal distribution of power,
prestige & property Access to scarce resources & social
rewardsAccess to scarce resources & social rewards Resources
& Rewards:Resources & Rewards: Ex: Education, stable job
and bank loanEx: Education, stable job and bank loan Social
Stratification
Slide 4
In most cases, power, prestige & property occur together;
however, this is not always trueIn most cases, power, prestige
& property occur together; however, this is not always true
EXAMPLES?EXAMPLES?
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Property:Property: Net worth and/or wealthNet worth and/or
wealth Objective measurementObjective measurement Wealth
Distribution in AmericaWealth Distribution in AmericaWealth
Distribution in AmericaWealth Distribution in America Power:Power:
Capacity to influence people & events in order to obtain wealth
& prestigeCapacity to influence people & events in order to
obtain wealth & prestige Subjective measurementSubjective
measurement Social Stratification
Slide 7
Prestige:Prestige: An individuals status among his peers and in
societyAn individuals status among his peers and in society
Subjective measurementSubjective measurement Social
Stratification
Slide 8
Which careers do you think are most prestigious? Least
prestigious? Do you agree??Which careers do you think are most
prestigious? Least prestigious? Do you agree??
Slide 9
Socioeconomic Status DEFINITION: a rating that determines an
individuals relative position within the system of
stratificationDEFINITION: a rating that determines an individuals
relative position within the system of stratification Three
Factors:Three Factors: EducationEducation OccupationOccupation
IncomeIncome
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Part TWO: Systems of Stratification
Slide 11
Caste System Position based on ascribed statusPosition based on
ascribed status Fixed, closed boundariesFixed, closed boundaries
Not much potential for social mobilityNot much potential for social
mobility Endogamy; exogamy not permittedEndogamy; exogamy not
permitted Status consistencyStatus consistency
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Position based on achieved statusPosition based on achieved
status Open boundariesOpen boundaries Greater potential for social
mobilityGreater potential for social mobility Endogamy not
required; exogamy allowedEndogamy not required; exogamy allowed
Less status consistencyLess status consistency Class System
Slide 13
Social Class DEFINITION: a group of people who share similar
levels of wealth, influence and status (SES)DEFINITION: a group of
people who share similar levels of wealth, influence and status
(SES) Sociologists use THREE methods to determine ones social
classSociologists use THREE methods to determine ones social
class
Slide 14
Social Class Objective Method: analyzes hard factsObjective
Method: analyzes hard facts Subjective Method: asks people what
they think of themselvesSubjective Method: asks people what they
think of themselves Reputational Method: asks what people think of
othersReputational Method: asks what people think of others
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Part THREE: Social Stratification in the US
Slide 16
Hot Button Question: Why are wealthy people wealthy? Why are
poor people poor?
Slide 17
Wealthy people have a different mindset than poor people. To
wealthy people, money is very important so they will do whatever
they need to become successful. They worked for their wealth or
they were given their wealth Wealthy people are wealthy because
they work hard and seek for opportunities to help them. I dont
think that all wealthy people are just born into their wealth. They
worked hard in school and strived to be the person they are today.
They worked hardsome people are born into it but they still have to
work hard to continue to generate money. Student ResponsesWealthy
people are wealthy because
Slide 18
They work for what they want. They tend to come from
backgrounds that promote individualism & independence. They
generally come from wealth and know how to manage money. Sometimes
it has to do with what you are born into, but a lot of it has to do
with personal drive and wanting to be successful. They achieve a
status, they are born into wealth, or they inherit it. They are
hardworking or through cheating and stealing. Student
ResponsesWealthy people are wealthy because
Slide 19
They obtain wealth by working well-paying jobs,
investing/saving their money & by making smart financial
decisions They are the in most cases the ones that worked the
hardest They have made some type of effort to get the money they
have Because they are raised well, hard-working, and/or lucky They
either worked their *** off all their lives or theyve become
wealthy from a past generation that worked their butt off Student
ResponsesWealthy people are wealthy because
Slide 20
They have the ability to stay wealthy by maybe manipulation,
discretion, and some stay wealthy keeping poor the poor They could
own their own business, or have a very advanced job at a major
company where they are paid good money. In my opinion, not all
wealthy people deserve to be wealthy. Some are only wealthy b/c of
money they inherited from their parents, so in reality they worked
for nothing Wealthy people are almost always afforded unique
opportunities from birth Because of their parentsor b/c theyre
attractive and married into it Student ResponsesWealthy people are
wealthy because
Slide 21
Because our capitalist economic system is being hindered by
socialist methods from our government. These socialist policies are
to blame for the worrying pattern of the wealthy remaining wealthy
through generations, and the poor and homeless being unable to find
more success. After all, capitalism guarantees an equal chance of
finding success for all, not guaranteed success for allbut hey, if
you prefer that comfort, please move to France and let the USA do
its own thing. Student ResponsesWealthy people are wealthy
because
Slide 22
They work hard to earn a living. They save their money wisely
in order to remain wealthy. They worked harder or smarter than
everyone else. They are smart, work hard, and work in fields that
are their strengths. They went the extra mile to succeed and have
the best education to get the best paying job. Student
ResponsesWealthy people are wealthy because
Slide 23
They have money. They either inherited the money or they know
how the world works. They can afford excess. They either have an
amazing job, or got money passed down. Often wealthy people are
wealthy because they are born into a family who has collected
wealth for many years. Student ResponsesWealthy people are wealthy
because
Slide 24
They decided to not go to school, because they were cheated, or
because they cant find a job that can make them enough money.
Something detrimental happened, by choices, or just that is has
always been that way. They were born poor. Some poor people have
made poor decisions (pun intended??), while some are just going
through rough times. Student ResponsesPoor people are poor
because
Slide 25
They are underachievers with little to no aspiration to
succeed. They didnt work. Everyone in America has access to public
schools, an affordable community college, or even an outstanding
university for free if they work hard enough to get a
scholarshippoverty is brought on by yourself. They cant manage
money or didnt take school seriously or made a bad decision. They
come from backgrounds that involved a lot of dependence. They are
not working hard enough and are lazy or just very unlucky. Student
ResponsesPoor people are poor because
Slide 26
They either didnt try or didnt want to work hard Of bad
financial decisions, not having enough money to overspend/live
beyond their means They have not made smart financial decisions
They have not done anything, therefore they are poor Usually
because they are lazy or stupid Student ResponsesPoor people are
poor because
Slide 27
They are lazy and dont work as hard as wealthy people. They are
lazy and dont do enough for themselves and probably do drugs. Poor
people dont know how to invest and save their money. Also, they
dont take advantage of the education given to them. They dont want
to try as hard as those who are wealthier. They want to work for
someone instead of being an entrepreneur. They are unwilling to
work or have bad luck. Student ResponsesPoor people are poor
because
Slide 28
Each person has a hand dealt to them in life. Intelligence, as
well as social opportunities such as wealth, schooling and peer
group influences our goals and outcomes In most cases, I dont think
poor people work any less hard they just didnt necessarily have the
same advantages of others Poor people usually havent had access to
the resources needed to break the cycle of poverty They were born
into poverty Student ResponsesPoor people are poor because
Slide 29
They have lower income jobs. They either lost a job, grew up in
a poor environment, dont have an education, or couldnt afford an
education, or are just lazy and live off the government. They were
either born into a poor family and had less opportunities or did
not work hard. The poor are poor because of their pre-existing
situation, economic tragedies that happened in their life, and
their low access to higher paying jobs. Poor people may not have
the same opportunities as the wealthy. Student ResponsesPoor people
are poor because
Slide 30
Some people are wealthy because they worked hard to get a good
job. Some people are poor because they havent worked for money.
HOWEVER, more often people are born into a social class that gives
them either advantages or disadvantages in society. And
Finally
Slide 31
Hot Button Question: Is homelessness a problem that should
concern the American public? If so, what should be done to remedy
the issue of homelessness? Should the government do something?
Slide 32
Yes, the government needs to afford all of its citizens an
equal chance at contributing their potential to society. This equal
opportunity often needs an initial assistance to be functional.
Yes, we should never abandon or turn our backs on those most in
need. Those who have think they have worked hard for what they have
and think they poor are just lazy; however, the poor have worked
just as hard, they just arent given the same opportunities Student
ResponsesYES!
Slide 33
Yes, because we pride ourselves on being a country to helps all
I feel like homelessness should be a concern to the American public
because if we were to put ourselves in their shoes, half of us
would not survive due to the spoiledness that we have becomesince
everyone is so quick to take in a stray dog or cat, why cant we as
humans, help other humans in need? Student ResponsesYES!
Slide 34
Yes, it should concern the public. A nation can best be seen at
how it treats its worst of citizens. Much more than what is being
done, via welfare programs and outreach projects to actually help
those in need get back on their feet Yes, homelessness degrades the
quality of life for all around Yes, I dont think it should be an
obligation that people help the homeless, but I still wish more
people would care to help Student ResponsesYES!
Slide 35
Yes, I think that many people have the misconception that
homeless individuals are the people who made poor decisions or
didnt follow the right track in life. Though this may be true for
some, most are stuck in an unfortunate situation Student
ResponsesYES!
Slide 36
Yes, homelessness should be a concern because people have a
need and for most of them it isnt their fault. Even if it is their
fault, we should try to help. A remedy would be for everyone to
donate food, or time to build shelters or talk to these people.
Yes. There should be a bigger effort to create homeless shelters
where people can be educated and helped to find a job. Student
ResponsesYES!
Slide 37
Yes, homelessness should be a concern because people have a
need and for most of them it isnt their fault. Even if it is their
fault, we should try to help. A remedy would be for everyone to
donate food, or time to build shelters or talk to these people.
Yes. There should be a bigger effort to create homeless shelters
where people can be educated and helped to find a job. Student
ResponsesYES!
Slide 38
There is homelessness all over America, it just might not be
seen in places that arent big cities. I think it should concern
people. I dont believe that people shouldnt have a home. More
people should be willing to open up homeless shelters and feed
hungry and homeless people.
Slide 39
Student ResponsesUMM To a certain extent, yes homelessness is a
bad thing and we should try to help in any way, but there will
always be homeless people so it should not be our main focus. To an
extent. There isnt much that can be done if they arent willing to
work for it. To an extent. Charity work is great and should be
encouraged; however, it should not turn into the burden for others
to bear
Slide 40
Student ResponsesUMM Homelessness is a problem, but I think we
should look at it on a person level. I believe we should ask the
questions: Are they truly trying hard to get a job? Are they
drug-free? Homelessness is a problem that should be sympathized by
the American public, but not one that should concern them because
all societies have homeless people. We should just continue trying
to create jobs and collecting food for charities.
Slide 41
Student ResponsesNO! I dont think that homelessness is that
much of a problem today because of all of the welfare bills or acts
that allow people to live off of the government. The government is
allowing people to not have to work and still receive money.
Slide 42
Student ResponsesNO! No, homelessness is not an American
problem, it is the homeless persons problem. Homelessness is not a
concern America should be worried about because its an individuals
problem. No. Most of the time its their fault.
Slide 43
Slide 44
Slide 45
Slide 46
Hot Button Question: Does the government have a responsibility
to help the homeless?
Slide 47
Student ResponsesYES Yes, whether it be giving them a temporary
place to live or checks to help pay for food, help should always be
given until those people get back on their feet. If our govt has
the power to tax us and regulate our rights then they have the
power to administer help to the struggling member of society Yes,
in a democratic society where the people hold the power, the govt
should help those who do not have the same advantages
Slide 48
Student ResponsesYES The governments job is to serve the
people, not vice versa. It has duty to do everything it can do to
help those who are having a difficult time in life Yes, the govt is
for the people so it should do everything in its power to help the
less privileged Yes, because a lot of time its not their fault.
Theres a reason its called privilege and some people start off
without that privilege at a disadvantage and they are stuck there
through no fault of their own. The govt is supposed to look after
the welfare of its people and it shouldnt be able to pick and
choose which ones to help and which ones to ignore
Slide 49
Student ResponsesSORT OF? The govt does have a responsibility,
yet they should not continue to excessively rob those who work hard
of their well earned money I feel the govt should try and help the
less privileged but not the ones that just dont care at all about
their future that is a waste of time and money and effort Yes, to
an extent It should be verified that those who the govt is
investing in are having to help themselves (drug testing, looking
for jobs, etc) In a smaller way, yes. The govt should only assist
those in most need with others dependent on themthey should be
actively trying to help themselvesnot just people who live off of
the govt
Slide 50
Lower Class 1520% of population1520% of population Less than
$23,000/yearLess than $23,000/year
Slide 51
Lower Class Characteristics:Characteristics: Poverty,
homelessness, unemploymentPoverty, homelessness, unemployment
(Absolute poverty v. relative poverty)(Absolute poverty v. relative
poverty) Most do not have high school diplomasMost do not have high
school diplomas Lack of adequate housing, food, clothing, safety,
medical care, etc.Lack of adequate housing, food, clothing, safety,
medical care, etc.
Slide 52
Working Class 3040% of population3040% of population Median:
males ($40,000) & females ($26,000)Median: males ($40,000)
& females ($26,000) Minimally educated, though generally have
high school diplomasMinimally educated, though generally have high
school diplomas Manual laborManual labor
Slide 53
Working Class Working poor:Working poor: Unskilled
workersUnskilled workers Dishwashers, cashiers, maids, servers,
etc.Dishwashers, cashiers, maids, servers, etc. Minimum wage;
underpaidMinimum wage; underpaid No opportunity for career
advancement; dead- end jobNo opportunity for career advancement;
dead- end job
Slide 54
Blue Collar:Blue Collar: Skilled workers; tradeSkilled workers;
trade Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, truck drivers, police
officers, etc.Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, truck drivers,
police officers, etc. Better wages than the working poorBetter
wages than the working poor Working Class
Slide 55
Middle Class, Sandwich 4050% of population4050% of population
Median: males ($70,000) & females ($50,000)Median: males
($70,000) & females ($50,000) Lower Middle:Lower Middle: Less
education (B.A.) with lower incomesLess education (B.A.) with lower
incomes Upper Middle:Upper Middle: Highly educated (M.A, PhD) with
higher incomesHighly educated (M.A, PhD) with higher incomes
Slide 56
Slide 57
Slide 58
Upper Class 13% of population13% of population Generally
250,000+Generally 250,000+ Top 1% owns 33% of total wealthTop 1%
owns 33% of total wealth
Slide 59
Slide 60
Upper Class Lower-Upper:Lower-Upper: New moneyNew money Made
from investments, business ventures, etc.Made from investments,
business ventures, etc.
Slide 61
Upper Class Upper-Upper:Upper-Upper: Old moneyOld money
Aristocratic, high-society, inheritanceAristocratic, high-society,
inheritance
Slide 62
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Generally have an M.A. or higher
Slide 64
Slide 65
Manual, though skilled labor
Slide 66
Slide 67
Generally have a B.A.
Slide 68
Slide 69
May or may not have a high school education
Slide 70
Slide 71
Characterized by new money
Slide 72
Slide 73
Part FOUR: Theory
Slide 74
Structural-Functionalismvs. Conflict Theory Stratification:
Theory
Slide 75
Functionalism:Functionalism: Social stratification is a
necessary component of society; the linkage of greater rewards to
more important social positions benefits society as a whole; USEFUL
& INEVITABLESocial stratification is a necessary component of
society; the linkage of greater rewards to more important social
positions benefits society as a whole; USEFUL & INEVITABLE
Conflict:Conflict: Social stratification is the result of social
conflict; differences in social rewards serve the interests of some
while harming the interests of others; ONLY USEFUL TO SOME
PEOPLESocial stratification is the result of social conflict;
differences in social rewards serve the interests of some while
harming the interests of others; ONLY USEFUL TO SOME PEOPLE
Slide 76
Stratification: Theory Functionalism:Functionalism: Matches
talents & abilities to appropriate jobsMatches talents &
abilities to appropriate jobs Values & beliefs that legitimize
social inequality are shared throughout societyValues & beliefs
that legitimize social inequality are shared throughout society
Conflict:Conflict: Ensures that large amounts of talent &
ability will NOT be developedEnsures that large amounts of talent
& ability will NOT be developed Values & beliefs tend to
reflect the interests of the more powerful members of societyValues
& beliefs tend to reflect the interests of the more powerful
members of society
Slide 77
Part FIVE: Social Mobility
Slide 78
Social Mobility Definition: the movement between or within
social classes or strataDefinition: the movement between or within
social classes or strata An important feature of the open class
systemAn important feature of the open class system
Slide 79
Types of Social Mobility Horizontal Mobility: movement within a
social class or stratumHorizontal Mobility: movement within a
social class or stratum Does not involve any major change in a
persons wealth, power, or prestigeDoes not involve any major change
in a persons wealth, power, or prestige Most commonMost common
Slide 80
Types of Social Mobility Vertical Mobility: movement between
social classes or strataVertical Mobility: movement between social
classes or strata Can be upward or downwardCan be upward or
downward
Slide 81
Types of Social Mobility Intragenerational Mobility: a change
in social position that occurs during a person's
lifetimeIntragenerational Mobility: a change in social position
that occurs during a person's lifetime Intergenerational Mobility:
form of vertical mobility in which status differs between
generations in the same familyIntergenerational Mobility: form of
vertical mobility in which status differs between generations in
the same family A quick lesson on social mobilityA quick lesson on
social mobilityA quick lessonA quick lesson