Section Overview
This section explores the intricate concept of social stratification, the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on multiple determinants like wealth, income, race, education, and power. It delves into the factors driving this stratification, including economic, cultural, and structural influences and the systemic inequalities it manifests. The section highlights the contrasting nature of closed systems, such as caste systems, which limit social mobility and emphasize cultural norms, and open systems, like class systems, which permit upward mobility based on individual accomplishments. The ideal of meritocracy, where standing is achieved through personal effort, is discussed, though the section also acknowledges the multiplicity of factors influencing real-world stratification. Furthermore, the section scrutinizes the uneven distribution of living standards in the United States, discussing wealth disparities, gender inequalities, the decline of the middle class, and the distinction between absolute and relative poverty.
Reading Assignment for Section 4.4
Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 4.4: Social Stratification.
What You Will Learn
In this section, you’ll explore the concept of social stratification and understand how wealth, income, race, education, and power establish social hierarchies. You’ll differentiate between closed systems like caste systems and open systems like class systems, appreciating their influence on social mobility. Additionally, you’ll recognize the ideal of meritocracy and the realities of its implementation, considering the various factors influencing social stratification.
Student Learning Outcomes for Section 4.4
- SLO 1: Understand the concept of social stratification and the roles of wealth, income, race, education, and power in establishing social hierarchies.
- SLO 2: Differentiate between closed systems like caste systems and open systems like class systems, and appreciate the influence of these systems on social mobility.
- SLO 3: Recognize the ideal of meritocracy and the realities of its implementation, considering the various factors influencing social stratification.
- SLO 4: Discern the influence of social stratification on the distribution of resources within society and the resulting systemic inequalities.
- SLO 5: Analyze the varying standards of living in the United States, considering wealth disparities, gender inequalities, the decline of the middle class, and the concepts of absolute and relative poverty.
Modification History File Created: 05/07/2023 Last Modified: 06/06/2024
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