Macionis C10

Chapter 10Social Stratification

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Basic PrinciplesUniversal but variableWhile universal, it varies in typeInvolves not just inequality, but beliefsIdeologies justify existence of social stratification 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


The Caste SystemBirth determines social position in four ways:OccupationMarriage within casteSocial life is restricted to own kindBelief systems are often tied to religious dogma 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


Class SystemsSocial mobility for people with education and skillsAll people gain equal standing before the law Work involves some personal choiceMeritocracy: Based on personal merit 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


Class SystemsStatus consistencyDegree of uniformity in a person's social standing across various Dimensions of social inequalityA caste system has limited social mobility and high status consistencyThe greater mobility of class systems produces less status consistency 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


Caste and Class SystemsAristocratic England: Caste-like system of aristocracy First estate: Church leadersSecond estate: AristocracyThird estate: Commoners 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


The Davis-Moore ThesisThe greater the importance of a position, the more rewards a society attaches to itEgalitarian societies offer little incentive for people to try their bestA society considered more important must reward enough to draw talented people 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


Karl Marx: Class and ConflictMost people have one of two relationships with the means of productionBourgeoisie own productive propertyThe proletariat works for the bourgeoisie 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


Karl Marx: Class and ConflictCapitalism creates great inequality in power and wealthOppression would drive working majority to organize and overthrow capitalism 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


Was Marx Right?Wealth remains highly concentrated.White-collar jobs offer no more income, Security, or satisfaction than factory work did a century ago 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


Was Marx Right?Current workers benefits came from struggleWorkers have lost benefits recentlyOrdinary people still face disadvantages that the law cannot overcome 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


Stratification and InteractionDifferences in social class position can affect interactionPeople interact primarily with others of similar social standingConspicuous consumptionBuying & using products because of the "statement" they make 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


Stratification and Technology: A Global PerspectiveHunting and gathering societiesHorticultural, pastoral, & agrarian societiesIndustrial societiesThe Kuznets curveGreater technological sophistication generally Is accompanied by more pronounced social stratification 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


Social StratificationVonnegut: An egalitarian society can exist Only if everyone is reduced to the lowest common denominatorDavis-Moore thesis: Class differences reflect variation in human abilities And the relative importance of different jobs 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.


Macionis C10

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