Stratification Chapter 7
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Transcript of Stratification Chapter 7
What Is Stratification?Stratification refers to systematic
inequalities between groups of people that arise as intended or unintended consequences of social processes and relationships.
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In a stratified society, groups at
the top of the hierarchy have
greater access to goods and services
in a society than members of groups
at the bottom.
Paradox: Inequality is the result
of overabundance.
Stratification
Social StratificationA relatively fixed, hierarchical arrangement in society by which groups have different access to
resources, power, and perceived social worth.
Where do you fit on thesocial ladder?
Social Class in the U.S. Upper class
Upper-middle class
Middle class
Lower-middle class
Lower class
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8VXrHeLqBA&feature=player_embedded#!
People Like Us
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf2dScTlvOQ `
Social Stratification ExampleIn a sports organization:
◦Owners control the resources of the teams.
◦Players earn high salaries, yet do not control the team resources.
◦Sponsors provide the resources.
◦Fans provide revenue.
Diverse Sources of StratificationRace, class, and gender are
overlapping systems of stratification. Class position is manifested
differently, depending on race and gender.
Example: A Black middle-class man who is stopped by police when driving through a White middle-class neighborhood may feel his racial status is his most outstanding characteristic, but his race, class, and gender always influence his life chances.
Forms of Stratification
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The estate system is a politically based
system of stratification
characterized by limited social
mobility.
The caste system
is a system of stratification based on
hereditary notions of
religious and theological purity and
generally offers no prospects for social mobility.
The class system is
an economically based system of
stratification with somewhat
loose social mobility based on roles in the
production process rather than individual
characteristics.
Functional and Conflict Theories of Stratification
Inequality
FunctionalismMotivates people to fill
positions that are needed for the survival of the whole.
Conflict TheoryResults when those with the
most resources exploit others.
Functional and Conflict Theories of Stratification
Class Structure
Functionalism Differentiation is essential for a cohesive society.
Conflict Theory
Different groups struggle over resources and compete for social
advantage.
Functional and Conflict Theories of Stratification
Life chances
FunctionalismThose who work hardest
and succeed have greater life chances.
Conflict TheoryThe most vital jobs in
society are usually the least rewarded.
Social StratificationWhy Is There Inequality?
The Class Structure of the United States
Diverse Sources of Stratification
Poverty
How Is America Stratified Today?The income gap
between high-income and low-income individuals has increased dramatically over the last 30 years.
One out of two people are living in or heading to poverty in the United States
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Inequality in the United StatesNearly 1 in 6 children in the U.S. live poverty: ◦30% of African American children
◦29% of Hispanic children◦12% of Asian American children
◦9.4% of White non-Hispanic children
Inequality in the United States15% of the U.S. population has
no health insurance. The average cost of a day’s stay
in the hospital is $1, 217—two weeks’ pay for the average worker
Inequality in the United States1% of the U.S. population controls
38% of the total wealth in the nation.The bottom 20% owe more than they
own.CEOs of major companies earn an
average of $13.1 million dollars per year.
Workers earning the minimum wage make $10,712 per year, if they work 40 hours a week for 52 weeks per year and hold only one job.
The Laddered Model of Stratification
The Double Diamond Model of Stratification
Median Income by Race and Household Status
Wealth and IncomeWealth is the monetary value of
everything one owns, minus debt. ◦It is calculated by adding all financial
assets and subtracting all debts. Income is the amount of money
brought into a household from various sources during a given period.
Distribution of Wealth and IncomeThe wealthiest 1% own 38% of all
net worth; the bottom 80% control only 17%.
The top 1% also owns almost half of all stock; the bottom 80% own only 4% of total stock holdings.
The Tax Burden: For Whom?
Defining Social MobilitySocial mobility is a person’s
movement over time from one class to another.
Social mobility can be up or down, although the American dream emphasizes upward movement.
Mobility can also be either intergenerational, occurring between generations; or intragenerational, occurring within a generation.
Table 7.1 Relative Social Prestige of Selected U.S. OccupationsYou May Ask Yourself, 2nd Edition
Copyright © 2011 W.W. Norton & Company
Social MobilityMobility is a collective effort that
involves kin and sometimes community.
Upward Mobility ◦People who are upwardly mobile are
often expected to distance themselves from their origins.
Downward Mobility◦As income distribution is becoming
more skewed toward the top, many in the middle class are experiencing mobility downward.
Who are the Poor?In 2002, there were 34.6 million
poor people in the U.S.The poor:
◦31% of Native Americans◦24% of African Americans◦22% of Hispanics◦10% of Asians and Pacific Islanders◦10% of Whites
U.S. Poverty Rate Climbed To 15.1 Percent in 2011, Total Number Hit All-Time Record Total
Population - 312,000,000 – 47,000,00 in poverty
How do we compare to the world.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpKbO6O3O3M
The lines at the local food bank.
Who are the Homeless? A 2001 survey of 27 cities found
that the homeless population is:◦ 50% African American◦ 35% White◦ 12% Hispanic◦ 2% Native American◦ 1% Asian
Who are the Homeless?Battered womenElderlyDisabledMentally Ill (20-25%)VeteransAIDS victims
What do you think are the Reasons for Homelessness?
Unemployment and/or eviction
Reductions in federal support for affordable housing
Eroding work opportunitiesInadequate housing for low-income people
What do you think are the Reasons for HomelessnessReductions in public assistance
Inadequate health careDomestic violenceAddiction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-naXAOUslM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICx3AfSlc-w&feature=related
Explanations of Poverty Culture of poverty - poverty is
a way of life that is transferred from generation to generation.
Structural causes of poverty - poverty is caused by economic and social transformations taking place in the U.S.
Arguments Against “The Culture of Poverty”Fewer than 5% of the poor are
chronically poor.41% of the able-bodied poor
work.The pattern of “welfare cycling”
is promoted by wages too low to support a family.