ANTHROP 1AB3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Social Stratification, Ascribed Status, Endogamy
31 Mar 2017
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Social hierarchy/social stratification: the ordering and ranking of individuals within society. Ranking is usually based on pervasive systems of inequality that privilege particular classes, castes, races, or genders over others. Ju/"hoansi and inuit go out of their way not to appear better than others. As societies become more complex and more populous, their propensity for social stratification increases. Social class: a form of identity informed by perceptions of an individual"s economic worth or status; also a form of social hierarchy. Max weber social class can be based on economic wealth or status class : prestige, honour, educational or occupational achievements, or religious/spiritual affiliation. Class in north american society is viewed as a fluid social identity it can be an ascribed status (fixed and unchanging; person is born with it) or an achieved status (in flux; dependent on actions and achievements) Growing wealth gap and decreased likelihood of upward class mobility suggests that class is really more an ascribed status.
