Introduction to Sociology/Stratification
1. Summary
Sociologists study about stratification and inequality for a long period of time. Stratification is arranging people in hierarchical way. Inequality is having unequal access to some resources because of limited resources. Sociologists always wondered where did inequality originate and what is the reason that inequality continues.
*Socioeconomic Status(SES)
There are three traits of individuals which is power, property and prestige. Power can be divided into legitimate power(authority) and illegitimate power(coercion). Property is more large concept than income because It is total of one's possessions. It is good indicator of measuring social stratification than income. Prestige has same meaning of reputation and esteem. Nowadays, prestige is related with one's occupation.
*Social class in America
There are upper-upper class, lower-upper class, upper-middle class,lower-middle class,working poor and underclass in American. Because of the Great Recession, gap between rich and poor has increased.
*Origin of Inequality and Private Property
We can find inequality when hunter/gatherer society changed into horticultural/pastroalist society. In hunter/gathere society, small group of people had almost same belongings and jobs. But, In horticultural/pastroalist society, large group of people traded with each other and This time, division of labour settled down and It led to surplus of goods. This made inequality.
When Industrialization begun in England, there was 'collectivity' but in the late 15th century in Europe, 'private property' began to spread and famous. The place where once was collective space began to divided up into private takings. In 17 and 18th century, people thought there should be equality in society..
*The Persistence of Inequality
There are three reasons why inequality persist. First, the rich and powerful retain the system of inequality. Karl Marx criticized about this. He aruged that rich and powerful have a big influence on social institutions. Second, culture teaches the acceptance of inequality. Americans think rich and powerful are more deserving as they are smart and skilled. So, They think inequality as justified. Lastly, people are socialized to accept their position in life.
*Elimination of Inequality
Is it possible to eliminate inequality while society commit inequality?
*Dominanat-Perspectives
1)Structural-Functionalism on Stratification
In this theory, Stratification and Inequality are inevitable and good to society. but, there are some problems which is difficult to determine the functional importance of any job only in stratification. And this theory says stratification system is rational and fair as people who are qualified and skilled deserve so but, in real life It does not function so. This theory also thinks It is fair that some chosen minorities have power and wealth.
2)Conflict Theories
Stratification system is dysfunctional and not beneficial. This theory think inequality is not inevitable, It is made by people who want to protect their power and wealth.
3)Towards a More Egalitarian Society
Marxists argue people have to work according to their ability and talent AND people must get the fruits of this labour according to thier need. Also, they think democracy is more effective in decision making.
*Intersections of Class, Race, and Gender
When natural disaster appear, by class,race,and gender,life rates are different. For example, In the sinking of the Titanic, 60% of first class people survived otherwise only 24% of third class survived.
*Capitalism, class, privilege, and oppression
Capitalism increased inequality based on stratification system. It causes competition, inequality, stress and anxiety among people in middle and low class because the opportunity to move upward is little.
*Capitalism, race and gender inequality
Capitalism also takes advantages of race and gender ineuquality.
*Points of View: Micro-Meso-Macro
1)Micro-level Prestige and Influence
Stratification system and Inequality affect to individual. By clothing,fancy belongings, Each person differentiated themselves by other person.
2)Meso-level Access to Resources
Our positions and connections in organizations and institutions lie within the stratification system.
3)Macro-Level Factors Influencing Stratification
Our position in the international economic system in the world shapes our opportunities throughout our life and our access to important resources.
*Consequences of Inequality
There are differnces in many aspects of life opportunities based on stratification. People who belong in low-class have fewer chances in education, health, insurances and so on than the rich.
*Global Inequality
Why are the poor still poor? Who is to blame for poverty?
1) Poor people still poor becasue of their traditional beliefs. They follow tradtional economic systems while modern world follow modern economic systems.
2) Poor people still poor becasue developed countries exploited developing countries. Poor countries have large debt so that they cannot develop at all.
3) In world systems theory, world economy system is divided into three types: Core,Semiperipheral, and Peripheral.
2. My opinion and Interesting points
Since I was young, I believe duty of government is to eliminate inequality in society as it is unfair thing. So, after I read this chapter, It is quite surprising and sad that social institutions cause inequality. It is also surprising that some people think inequality is inevitable because the rich and powerful deserve more qualified things. However,as we know, in real life, wealth and power does not purely attained by their efforts. Some are rich by birth. Therefore, I want to support Conflict Theories in stratification system and inequality in society. I can find the answer of why inequality does not disappear in conflict theory what Karl Marx insisted. The rich and powerful protect the system of inequality to retain their position.
3.Questions and Discussion Points
There is a system of special case in society such as special admission and army exemption or exception. Is this system inequal or equal? Let's discuss about it together.
SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
-you can see flow of social stratification in this video clip. It is cute, fun and easy! Take a look at it.
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