呃千慂敫获-Chapter7.pptVIP

Chapter 7 Stratification: Rich and Famous—or Rags and Famine? The Importance of Stratification Social stratification refers to how individuals and groups are layered or ranked in society according o how many valued resources they possess An ongoing sorting process Legitimated by cultural beliefs Three main assumptions underlie the concept of stratification People are divided into ranked categories There is an unequal distribution of desired resources The criteria societies uses to rank others depends on: The society’s history Its geographic location Level of development The society’s political philosophy The decisions of those in power Micro-level factors: Prestige and Influence Cultural capital – knowledge and access to important information in society Social capital – networks with others who have influence Individual qualities also influence cultural and social capital Meso-level factors: Access to resources The family reinforces status though the socialization process Educational organizations treat children differently according to their social status Religious affiliation reflects one’s social status Political systems reinforce the stratification system through laws, courts, and policing Access to healthcare depends on one’s position in the stratification system Macro-level factors influencing stratification The economic system The geographic location of nations Resources Strong educational system Well-paying jobs Productive land Ample supply of water Access to technology Theoretical Explanations of Stratification Symbolic Interaction Individuals learn their social position through socialization Cultural capital influences children’s school and home environments Symbols also often represent social positions Conspicuous consumption is displaying goods in a way that others will notice and that will presumably earn the owner respect Meso- and Macro-level Theories of Stratification Structural Functionalism Stratification within societies is an inevitable—a