Sociology Exam #2 Study GuideChapters 7 & 8Social Stratification & PovertyWhat is Social Stratification?-“A system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy”-Based on 4 principles of stratification:1. It is a trait of society, not simply a reflection of individual differences.2. It carries over from generation to the next.3. It is universal but variable4. Involves different beliefs/justificationCaste vs. Class System-Caste System-Social stratification based on ascription and birth-Closed system, allowing little change in social position-Class System-Social stratification is based on both birth and merit-Open system, allowing more change and social mobilityA Functionalist Perspective on Stratification-The Davis-Moore Thesis claims that stratification has beneficial consequences for society as a whole.-Inequality creates incentives-Functional importance determines rewards-Such a system promotes productivityA Social Conflict Perspective on Stratification-Unequal distribution of resources benefits some, while harming others-Marx: 2 classes of people-Bourgeoisie (owners, make profits), Proletariat (Exchange labor for wages)-Unequal rewards are unfair-Work produced alienation-Political implication: A classless societyWeber: Class, Status, and Power-Argued that Marx’s two class model was too simple-Saw 3 dimensions to inequality-Class: Determined by income-Status: Social prestige-Power: Ability to control-Claimed that industrial societies has less status consistency-True classless societies are not possibleSymbolic-Interaction Approach to Stratification-Stratification is a factor that guides peoples interactions to everyday life-People tend to interact with others in the same social standing-Conspicuous consumption: Many people buy and use products because of the statement they make about their social positionPoverty in US-The US ranks first in poverty among developed nations-The US poverty level is 3x the cost of food for one year-$21,756 income for a year for a family of 4 as of 2009-$11,161 for a single individual-Who are the poor?-Decreasing number of elderly (30% rate in 1967, 9.4% in 2006)-Increasing number of families headed by single womenSocial Classes in the U.S.-Upper Class (top 5% of population, earn at least $200K)-Upper uppers (<1% of population; old money)-Lower uppers (3-4% of population; working rich)-Middle Class (40-45% of population)-Upper middles ($113K-$200K; white collar)-Average middles ($49K-$113K) less prestigious white collar/skilled blue collar-Working Class (30-35%, $28K-$49, blue collar)-Under class (15-20%, <$28K; working poor and poor)Differences Among Social Classes: Health-Higher SES is also associated with…-favorable biological functioning-lower rates of poor subjective health-lower rates of chronic diseases-lower rates of chronic diseases-lower rates of functional disability-lower rates of cognitive decline-lower rates of infant mortality-Children born into poor families are 3x more likely to die from disease, neglect accidents, or violence, during the first year of life-Among adults, people with above average incomes are almost 2x as likely as low income people to describe their health as excellent-Those in upper class live on average 5 years longer-What are some reasons that higher SES is associated with better overall health?-More nutritious diets-Safer and less stressful living environments-More time to engage in exercise-Occupations that bring in higher incomes and allow for more creativity-“One of the core interests of sociology is the study of social stratification- the inequalities in income, power, and prestige. Few persons would care about such inequalities if the poor, powerless, and despised were as happy and fulfilled as the wealthy…”-“The inequality in misery makes the social and economic inequality meaningful” (Mirowsky,2003)Differences Among Social Classes: Values and Attitudes-Upper uppers: Strong sense of family history and understated manners and taste-“New Rich”: engage in more conspicuous consumption-Working class: Emphasis on disciplineDifferences Among Social Classes: Politics-Higher classes: conservative views on economic issues with more liberal views on social issues (abortion & gay marriage)-Middle/Lower classes: liberal views on economic issues, with conservative issues on social issues-Higher income people are more likely to voteDifferences Among Social Classes: Family and Gender-Lower class families are somewhat larger than middle-class families-Family life reproduces class structure-Working class couples typically divide responsibilities according to gender roles. Middle class couples are more egalitarianSocial Mobility-Various factors can lead to upward and downward mobility-Intragenerational social mobility: A change in social position occurring during a persons lifetime-Intergenerational social mobility: Upward or downward social mobility of children in relation to their parents (affected by structural shifts in society)Global StratificationThe Big Issues-Inequality between and within countries-Theories of global inequality-What inequality looks like around the world-How global inequality affects usGlobalization-Globalization is a process of increased interconnectedness, especially in terms of economics, politics, and culture-Globalization has led to massive wealth for some, while others are left further behindGlobal Inequality: Differences Between Countries-Systematic differences in wealth and power between countries; significant systems of stratification exist within countries as well.-Per person gross national income is used as a measure of global inequality-High: $11,906+-Middle: $976-11,905-Low: $975 or lessGlobal Inequality: Why it Matters to You-The Technology Gap-Gap continues to widen between technologically enabled countries and those without technologyExplaining Global Inequality-Four primary approaches:1. Market theories2. Dependency theories3. World system analysis4. State-centered theoriesMarket Theories-Most popular view in economics-Low government intervention should be coupled with”free”, unconstrained individual action-Ex: Rostows modernization theoryDependency Theories-These theories are a rejection of market theories, built on Marxian ideas-Global inequality is seen as the result of exploitation by wealthy countries and other international players (INGO’s and MNC’s)-Global inequality stemmed from colonialism and has been reinforced by global trade
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