SOCI 210 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9: Upper Class, Exogamy, Endogamy
20 Oct 2017
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Stratification: categorization of people into rankings or tiers based on various factors (wealth, race, power, etc. ) Form layers of people, resources distributed unevenly through layers; top gets most, lower gets less and less. Us believes that everyone has equal chance of success; social rank determined by hard work and talent (control own social standing). Reality is that system leads to great inequality. Social standing influenced by cultural values, social standing of parents (tend to pass on position, norms, lifestyle), societal beliefs/attitudes and occupational structure (some jobs valued more, some expected to receive low pay). Closed little room for change, generally set in place. Cannot shift levels or have social relations between levels. Ex: caste system: born into social standing (permanent). Assigned occupations based on status, regardless of talents/interests. Promote beliefs in fate, destiny, higher power over individual freedom must accept own part in society. Open: achievement based, allows movement up and down between layers and classes.
