SOC 1010 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8-9: Thorstein Veblen, Status Attainment, Nouveau Riche

• School: University of Iowa
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 1010
• Professor: Lovaglia Michael

Document Summary

Social differentiation- process by which different statuses develop in any group, organization, or society. Social stratification- a system of structured social inequality. Estate system of stratification- the ownership of property and the exercise of power are monopolized by an elite class who have total control over societal resources. Caste system of stratification- position is ascribed, quality is given to an individual at birth. Class systems of stratification- a person"s placement in class can change according to personal achievements. Social class- the social structural position that groups hold relative to the economic, social, political, and cultural resources of society. Life chances- the opportunities that people have in common by virtue of belonging to a particular class. Described by max weber as the consequences of stratification. Common objects become symbols of one"s class status. Conspicuous consumption- the ostentatious display of goods to define one"s social class. Common indications of class are income, education, occupation, and place of residence.