SOCL 2001 Chapter : Social Stratification
Document Summary
Closed system: limited by ascribed statuses, things born with: sex, race, slavery. But top 1% of america has 40% of nations wealth. Caste: based on heredity (india, outlawed in 1949, the bottom is referred to dalit untouchables , no possibility to move up. To what extent is mobility possible in the united states: can move some. Wealth: net worth; includes property and income, the rich are getting richer and poor are getting poorer. Involve more mental activity: respect attached to social positions, more socially important, occupation, leadership skills, some exceptions to wealth : teacher, police, firefighters, there can be low prestige jobs that have high wealth, drug dealer. Socioeconomic status: measurement of persons rank within class system, determined by occupation, income. Consequences- life chances(extent to which people experience good or bad: health, higher social class=greater life expectancy, more money=better child"s talents, can get a tutor if rich, family, education, quality of teachers/limited opportunities, if rich teachers care more.
