Social Stratification: The Basics

Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups within a society based on their access to resources, power, and prestige.

Religious affiliation is not typically considered a dimension of social stratification, as it does not directly determine an individual's access to resources, power, or prestige.

Conflict theory argues that social stratification is maintained through conflict and power struggles between different social classes.

Functionalist theory posits that social stratification serves to maintain social order and stability by assigning different roles and responsibilities to individuals based on their social position.

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals between different social classes, which can challenge the existing social stratification system.

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals between different social classes, either upward or downward.

Vertical mobility refers to movement between different social classes, typically based on changes in occupation or income.

Intergenerational mobility refers to the movement of individuals between different social classes across generations, comparing their social position to that of their parents or grandparents.

Symbolic interactionist theory argues that social stratification is maintained through the shared cultural values and beliefs that legitimize the existing social hierarchy.

Socialization refers to the process by which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their social group or society.

Gender stratification is not a type of social stratification in the same way that caste, class, and estate systems are, as it is based on biological sex rather than social or economic factors.

Social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, power, and prestige in society, which can lead to social stratification.

Social mobility and equality are not consequences of social stratification, but rather goals that societies strive to achieve in order to reduce social inequality.

Ethnocentrism refers to the belief that one's own culture or social group is superior to others.

Social exchange theory argues that social stratification is maintained through the exchange of resources and rewards between individuals and groups.