Sociology Vocab: Chapter 9 Social Stratification

Front

A socioeconomic system that divides society members into categories ranking from high to low, based on things like wealth, power, and prestige.

Back

Social Stratification

Front

A system in which people are born into a social status based on factors like wealth, income, education, and occupation.

Back

Caste System

Front

Social standing based on social factors and individual accomplishments.

Back

Class System

Front

The value of money and assets a person has from, for example, inheritance.

Back

Wealth

Front

The money a person earns from work or investments

Back

Income

Front

An increase—or upward shift—in social class

Back

Upward mobility

Front

A lowering of one's social class

Back

Downward mobility

Front

The act of buying and using products to make a statement about social standing.

Back

Conspicuous consumption.

Front

The consistency, or lack thereof, of an individual’s rank across social categories such as income, education, and occupation.

Back

Status consistency

Front

An ideal system in which personal effort—or merit—determines social standing.

Back

Meritocracy