Posting by JI SOOGEUN - W9

Summary)

 

Stratification affects our lives. It is hierarchical society that is arranged by economic, ethnic, gender and so on.

Max Weber defined stratification as socioeconomic status. And there are three measure way: power, property, prestige.

Inequality and private property are very important concept to understand stratification. The origins of inequality can be found in term from hunter/gatherer societies to horticultural/pastoralist societies. In hunter/gatherer societies, there are no inequality. However in horticultural/pastoralist societies, inequality was created because surplus of goods was occurred so some people accumulated more possessions than others. Private property was begun in Europe, in 15th century, and spreading around the world.

Inequality have continued in society. Because first, rich and powerful protect the system of inequality to protect resources they have. Second culture teaches the acceptance of inequality so members of society believe that inequality is justice. Third, members of society accept their position in life.

According to the way to approach stratification, stratification can be explained differently.

There are three level of analysis on stratification: Micro-level, Meso-level and Macro-level.

In Micro-level, stratification occurs in small groups and face-to-face interaction. In Meso-level, our positions lie within the stratification system. Somethings that exist around us (parents, teachers and friends) make us cognize our positions. In Macro-level, our positions in the society shape our opportunities.

 

Mention & Question)

 

To me, interest thing is that something that exist around me make me take inequality for granted.

And I wonder that in these writing, just as resources and race make inequality. So, there are no inequality any country that have one race and operated by communism?