W14.2 June 7 (Fri) - 계해운(JIHAIYUN)

Summary

Social stratification refers to the phenomenon of dividing society members into different ranks or classes based on certain criteria, including wealth, income, race, education, and occupation. Modern Western societies typically categorize social stratification into upper class, middle class, and lower class, with each class further subdivided into smaller categories. Social stratification involves not only numerical inequalities but also beliefs and attitudes toward social status. Complex social structures exhibit various stratification phenomena, where the most privileged individuals and families enjoy disproportionate income, power, and other social resources. Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals, social groups, or populations within or between strata. Open stratification systems allow for individual mobility, whereas closed stratification systems have little to no mobility, with social status often remaining unchanged throughout one's life. Theorists like Karl Marx and Max Weber have offered different perspectives and explanations on social stratification, emphasizing the roles of class, status, and power in social structures. Studying racial issues provides a clear example of understanding race as a social construct. In the United States, racial classifications vary, with groups such as Native Americans, African Americans, and European Americans classified as different races. Racism manifests in social life through individual and institutional biases and discrimination, with historical racism contributing to modern economic and social inequalities.


Interesting Points

Social stratification involves not just economic inequalities but also perceptions and attitudes toward social status. In complex social structures, the most privileged individuals and families hold disproportionate social resources.Societies with high social mobility often provide more opportunities and fairness.Marxism emphasizes the role of class struggle and economic factors in social stratification.


Question

How can the degree of economic stratification between different social classes be measured and evaluated?


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