Social Stratification

ranking of people according to their unequal access to scarce resources

• social stratification

• economic dimension

• prestige dimension

• social mobility

segment of society whose members hold similar amounts of resources and share values, norms, and an identifiable lifestyle

• social stratification

• social class

• social mobility

• economic equality

the amount of money received by an individual or group over a specific time period

• income

• wealth

• stratification

• social class

total economic resources held by a person or group

• income

• wealth

• stratification

• social class

the ability to control the behavior of others, even against their will

• income

• wealth

• power

• prestige

recognition, respect, and admiration attached to social positions

• prestige

• power

• wealth

Which theory? The most qualified people fill the most important positions. They perform their tasks competently and should be rewarded for doing so.

• functionalism

• conflict theory

• symbolic interactionism

Which theory? Stratification exists because some people wish to exploit others.

• functionalism

• conflict theory

• symbolic interactionism

Which theory? People are socialized to accept the system of stratification.

• functionalism

• conflict theory

• symbolic interactionism

not enough money to buy life’s necessities (food, shelter, etc.)

• absolute poverty

• relative poverty

• social mobility

• wealth