SOC 104 Chapter Notes -Ascribed Status, Social Stratification, Social Inequality
Document Summary
During this week we will be exploring social class as a form of social inequality. Sociologists tend to argue that inequalities are socially structured and are not based on individual differences. There are diverse sociological theories in explaining causes of social inequality. Inequalities are explained and often legitimized by existing ideologies in the society. Social inequality reflects the characteristics of the society. Social inequality is structured in the sense that it is: not random but follows a pattern, displays relative constancy and stability, backed by ideas that justify and legitimize it. Social differentiation: refers to separation of roles, and positions, division of functions division of labour in society. It does not necessarily require or lead to social stratification. Status: a recognized social position that an individual occupies in society. Ascribed status: a social position attached to a person at birth or one is involuntarily assumes later in life; assigned on the basis of characteristics that one cannot control.
