Chapter 9 : Social Stratification
Chapter Summary:
This chapter explains, examines, and evaluates the origins, causes, and effects of social
stratification according to most sociologists. Most sociologists believe that stratification
affects virtually every aspect of an individual’s life chances. They believe “inequality”
is not a naturally-occurring phenomena but rather socially induced (caused) by some
social selective process that values some things over others. Critics of this sociological
perspective might argue that inequality is more a result of individual decision making in
the areas of education, values, and behavior.
Types of societies and the degree of social differentiation are examined. Stratification
has shown to increase as societies become more complex (industrial nations). Two basic
types of stratification systems exist in today’s world: a caste system and a class system.
Three dimensions (rewards) of social stratification in society are examined. The causes
of social stratification are explained from the structural-functionalist and the conflict
perspectives.
In examining inequality in America, the book considers the distribution of income and
wealth, class consciousness, poverty, and one’s life chances. The book also analyzes
social mobility in the United States.
Chapter Objectives
After completing the chapter, students should be able to:
1. Define social stratification and social inequality.
2. Discuss the characteristics of caste systems and class systems and the three most common
rewards of such systems.
3. Discuss the theories that try to explain the existence of social stratification.
4. Describe the American class system.
5. Discuss the characteristics of the poor in America and describe steps taken by the federal
government to lesson the effects of poverty.
6. Explain the concept of social inequality and relate it to occupations, housing, education and
health care.
7. Discuss social mobility and its forms.
8. List four factors that strongly influence social mobility in the United States.
Chapter 9 : Textbook Analysis (pp. 204-229)
1. How do class systems and caste systems differ?
2. What three rewards are most often used to determine social stratification? Summarize what
each means.
a.
b.
c.
3. Summarize the two theories’ views on social stratification.
a. Functionalist –
b. Conflict –
4.
Social class categories
Characteristics
5. What do sociologists see as some structural causes of:
a. upward mobility –
b. downward mobility –
6. Define “poverty level” and explain how it is determined.
7. Explain how each affect the likelihood of being poor in America.
a. sex –
b. age –
c. race & ethnicity -
8. How are transfer payments and subsidies different?
9. What did critics of government poverty programs claim and what have been some of their
reforms?