Crash Course Sociology #21: Social Stratification Student ... - Free Printable

1. Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups in a society based on factors such as wealth, income, race, education, and power.

2. Stratification systems often persist due to cultural beliefs that justify inequality (like meritocracy), institutional practices that reinforce existing hierarchies, and economic structures that benefit those at the top.

3. Yes, social stratification can be considered universal because every known society organizes its members into some form of hierarchy, though the criteria and rigidity vary.

4. In a caste system, social position is ascribed at birth and is typically fixed for life; mobility is minimal or nonexistent. In contrast, a class system allows for more social mobility based on achieved status like education or income.

5. The two main types of social mobility are:
- Vertical mobility: movement up or down the social ladder.
- Horizontal mobility: movement within the same social level, such as changing jobs without changing class.

6. A closed system restricts social mobility, often based on ascribed characteristics like birth or caste. An open system allows for greater mobility based on individual achievement and effort.

7. The difference between caste and class systems lies primarily in mobility: caste systems are rigid and hereditary, while class systems are more fluid and allow for movement based on personal achievement.

8. Meritocracy is a system where advancement is based on individual ability and merit rather than inherited status or privilege.

9. The three components of socioeconomic status are:
- Wealth (accumulated assets)
- Income (current earnings)
- Education (level of formal schooling)

10. Class consciousness refers to an awareness of one’s social class and shared interests with others in that class, often leading to collective action or political mobilization.

11. Status inconsistency occurs when an individual occupies different positions in various dimensions of stratification—for example, high education but low income—creating tension or ambiguity in social standing.

12. Structural mobility refers to large-scale changes in social position resulting from societal shifts, such as industrialization or economic booms, rather than individual efforts.

13. Intergenerational mobility is the change in social status between generations (e.g., children achieving higher status than their parents). Intragenerational mobility is the change in social status within a person’s lifetime.

14. A “status crystallization” occurs when an individual’s positions across multiple dimensions of stratification (e.g., income, education, occupation) are consistent with each other, reinforcing a clear social standing.

15. Status inconsistency is when an individual’s positions across different dimensions of stratification conflict—for example, having high education but low income—which may lead to psychological stress or social ambiguity.