SOC 2007-01 Social Stratification
Instructor: Vangie N. Blust
Office: Dunton 22
Phone: 8295; E-Mail: blustv@greenmtn.edu
Office Hours: 1-12 MW, 1:30-3 TW, or by appointment
Class Time: 2-3:15 MR, Dunton 12
Spring 2006
The endurance of the inequalities of life by the poor is the marvel of human society.
-James Anthony Froude, British Historian
Inequality is as dear to American heart as liberty itself.
-Williams James Howell, American writer
Welcome to Social Stratification! This course is the study of social differentiation and ranking
within societies based on distribution of scarce resources. The theories of social stratification and the
social processes by which inequality comes to be seen as legitimate, natural, or desirable will be covered.
Emphasis will be placed on: (1) the economic, political, and cultural forces that produce inequality; (2)
intersection among class, race, and gender inequalities; and (3) how inequality impinges on all facets of
individual and group life.
Although the United States is our central focus, we will also look into the world stratification
system to help us understand how and why social stratification in the United States is distinct from and
common with social stratification in other contemporary societies.
Course Objectives:
1. To study the basic sociological concepts and perspectives on social differentiation, inequality,
and stratification.
2. To understand the major sociological explanations for social inequality both within the United
States as well as globally.
3. To promote an understanding of the various kinds of relationships that occur within structural
levels and between members of different social strata.
4. To understand how racial/ethnic, gender, and political inequalities relate to and overlap with
class inequalities.
5. To develop skills in working productively with economically disadvantaged people.
Required Texts:
Marger, M.N. (2005) Social Inequality: Patterns and Processes. Boston: McGrawHill. (SIPP)
Conley, D. (2000). Honky. New York: Vintage Books. (H)
Kendall, Diana (2002). The Power of Good Deeds New York: Rowman and Littlefield
Class Format:
Given the subject matter and the class size, we are poised to have an interactive class. However,
also expect informal lectures (i.e., as response to questions raised or clarification of concepts and issues),
class exercises, simulation game(s), and videos throughout the semester. We will try to accommodate
suggestions you have about the class.
The news media is riddled with items or stories that deal with social stratification and social
inequality directly or indirectly. Please bring them to be shared with the class.
Class Requirements:
1. Attendance and Participation
Everyone is expected to come to class regularly and contribute to class discussions. Because
attendance and participation are a component of the course grade, more than three absences will result in
the lowering of the final grade. Formulating ideas in response to the readings and discussions and
expressing these ideas are a central part of the course.
2. Readings
We will follow Marger’s book almost chapter by chapter. Conley’s and Kendall’s are scheduled at
appropriate times. Prepare for each class session by going through the readings, taking notes,
formulating questions, and responding to ideas or concepts presented.
3. Writing Assignments
You will be given periodic writing assignments which, oftentimes, would entail applying theories
and/or concepts taken up. They will be graded on both content and mechanics. APA format is required.
Diane Hacker’s A Writer’s Reference is a good resource. NOTE: Late assignments will not be accepted.
4. Exams
There will be two exams during the semester. They will include multiple choice, short answer,
and/or essay questions. There will be no final exam.
5. Service Learning Final Project
In lieu of the final exam, you will be required to put-up a Hunger Banquet towards the end of the
semester. As a class, you have to research, plan, and implement it so that you are able to educate the
community on the issue of global social stratification and social inequality. Your grade on this project
will be based on your contribution to making it happen, your peers’ evaluation of your involvement, your
presentation, and a process and reaction paper.
Grade
Attendance and participation------15%
Two long exams---------------------30%
Writing Assignments---------------20%
Final Project-------------------------35%
Course Outline
Date
Topic and Reading
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jan. 19
Introduction, Expectations, Requirements
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jan. 23 , 26, 30
Chapter 1 An Introduction to the Study of Social Inequality
Chapter 2 Theories of Class and Social Inequality
Hunger Banquet Preliminary Research
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb. 2, 6, 9
Chapter 3 The American Class System
Chapter 4 Poverty and the Poor
Feb. 9
Virtual Tour in Social Inequality Due
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb 13, 16, 20
Chapter 5 The Middle Class and the Changing Economy
Chapter 6 The Upper Class and the Power Elite
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb. 23, 27
StarPower Simulation Game
Hunger Banquet Planning Commences
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------March 2
Exam 1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------March 4-12
Spring Break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------March 13, 16
Kendall’s The Power of Good Deeds
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------March 20, 23
Chapter 8 Public Policy and the Class System
Chapter 9 Racial/Ethnic Differentiation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------March 27, 30
Hunger Banquet Planning
Chapter 10 Racial Ethnic Stratification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------April 3, 6
Conley’s Honky
Hunger Banquet Planning
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------April 10, 13
Chapter 11 Gender Inequality
Chapter 12 Political Inequality
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------April 15-18
Easter Break
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------April 20
Chapter 13 Ideology and Legitimation of Inequality
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------April 25
Exam 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------April 27
Class time- Hunger Banquet Set-Up and Rehearsal
5:00 HUNGER BANQUET PROJECT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------May 2
Evaluation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Final Session
Hunger Banquet Discussion (Evaluation and Paper Due)
Monday, May 8, 3:30
The instructor reserves the right to change part(s) of this syllabus if and when necessary.