Social Stratification: Society's hierarchical ranking of individuals into social classes based on factors such as wealth, income, race, education, and power, resulting in unequal access to resources and opportunities.
Social Class: A group of people sharing similar economic, social, and cultural status, influenced by both birth (ascribed status) and personal achievements (achieved status).
Social Status: An individual's position within the social hierarchy, often determined by their social class, occupation, or prestige.
Meritocracy: A system where social positions are awarded based on personal abilities, talents, and achievements rather than ascribed characteristics like race or family background.
Social Mobility: The ability to move between social classes, which can be intragenerational (within a person's lifetime) or intergenerational (across generations).
1. What does social stratification refer to in sociology?
2. Which sociologist emphasized the multidimensionality of social stratification, including economic, social, and political aspects?
3. What is the primary role of class systems and social mobility in society?
Social Stratification — definition?
Society's hierarchical ranking of individuals based on factors like wealth and power.
Social Class vs Status — difference?
Class is economic; status relates to prestige and social honor.
Open vs Closed Systems — function?
Open systems allow mobility; closed systems restrict it.
Social Mobility — types?
Intragenerational and intergenerational movement between classes.
Social Stratification — definition?
Society's hierarchical ranking based on resources and status.
Class System Dimensions — key factors?
Income, wealth, education, race, gender, power.
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