What Is Social Stratification?
Overview
Every society sorts its members into layers. Some people are born into wealth and respect, others into hardship that no effort seems to lift. Sociologists call this layering social stratification, and it is one of the biggest ideas in the whole subject. Why are some groups always near the top and others near the bottom? Is inequality natural and useful, or is it unfair and harmful? Sociologists do not agree, and that disagreement is exactly what makes this topic so rewarding to study.
In this lesson you will meet the main systems of stratification, from slavery and caste to the social classes of today, and learn the difference between a status you are born with and one you earn. You will then weigh up the great rival explanations: functionalists who say inequality keeps society running, Marxists who say it is exploitation, Weber who says it has several sides, and feminists who say it is built on the power of men. By the end you will be able to argue all sides like an examiner wants.
Objectives
- Achieved and ascribed status.
- Poverty and wealth.
- Power.
- Social mobility.
- Meritocracy.
- Modern slavery.
- The caste system.
- Life chances in: education, employment, health, housing, life expectancy.
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on What Is Social Stratification?. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which of these is an example of ascribed status? A. Becoming a qualified teacher B. Being born into a particular caste C. Being promoted at work D. Winning an election Answer: B
- Davis and Moore argued that higher rewards for some jobs exist mainly to: A. exploit the working class B. maintain the power of men over women C. attract talented people to functionally important roles D. keep society completely closed Answer: C
- Which thinker argued that stratification has three separate dimensions: class, status and party? A. Karl Marx B. Max Weber C. Oscar Lewis D. Melvin Tumin Answer: B
- A system in which a person's position is fixed at birth and there is almost no movement between layers is best described as: A. an open system B. a meritocracy C. a closed system D. social mobility Answer: C
- In Marxist theory, the class that owns the means of production is called the: A. proletariat B. bourgeoisie C. underclass D. petty bourgeoisie Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
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