SOC101Y1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 198-228: Ascribed Status, Social Stratification, Achieved Status
Document Summary
Social stratification: persistent patterns of social inequality within society. Sociologists study social stratification, the manner that wealth, power, and prestige are distributed and the way in which advantages are passed from generation to generation. Inequalities in wealth can threaten social stability (the poor hating the wealthy, and for example, demanding more equality) Inequalities in power can be used to maintain social order. Changing social stratification is shown through women moving into positions of power and authority in north america. Status: the rank or position that a person has within a social hierarchy. Ascribed status: assigned to individuals typically at birth, it can be your gender, race, and age. Achieved status: a position in a hierarchy that has been achieved by virtue of how well someone performs in some role, this can be your career. Open stratification system: where merit instead of inheritance (or ascribed characteristics) determines social rank and in which social change is possible.
