chapter 13 social inequality and stratification. chapter outline systems of equality and inequality...
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Chapter 13
Social Inequality and Stratification
Chapter Outline Systems of Equality and Inequality Castes in Traditional India Classes in Industrial Societies: The
United States Maintaining Inequality Theories of Inequality
Inequality The extent to which culturally valued
material and social rewards are allocated disproportionately to individuals, families, and other groups.
Basic Types of Inequality Egalitarian - few differences in the
rewards received by families or other kinds of kin groups within a society.
Ranked - limited number of high-ranking positions or titles.
Stratified - major differences in access to rewards between families or kin groups.
Egalitarian Societies Example: mobile foragers Frequent seasonal movements make it
difficult to transport possessions. Reciprocal sharing prevents individuals
from becoming wealthier than their band mates.
Families have the right to visit and exploit the resources of many areas.
Ranked Societies Example: Tikopia Tikopia's 1,200 persons were divided into
four patrilineal clans, each with it's own chief.
Each clan was divided into patrilineages. The chief and nobility of each clan had
little more wealth than any one else and no power over land or ocean resources.
Stratified Societies Marked inequalities in access to wealth,
power and prestige. Inequality is based on unequal access to
resources such as the land and tools people need to make their living.
Unequal access to rewards has a strong tendency to be heritable throughout the generations.
Class and Caste Class - System of stratification in which
membership in a stratum can be altered and intermarriage between strata is allowed.
Caste - Stratification system in which membership in a status is hereditary, strata are endogamous, and contact or relations between members of different strata are governed by laws, norms or prohibitions.
Castes in Traditional India Brahmins (priests and scholars) Kshatriyas (nobles and warriors) Vaishas (merchants and artisans) Shudras (farmers, craftspeople and
laborers) Untouchables
Wealth As the Basis of Class Ranking in America Wealth is more measurable than other
indications of class membership. Wealth is the single biggest indication of
benefits citizens are receiving.
Wealth As the Basis of Class Ranking in America Extremely high wealth is correlated with
ownership of productive resources. Wealth determines people’s access to
political power.
Distribution of Household Income
in the United States, 2003
Percentage of Income Earned ByAmount Earned, 2002
(nearest thousand)
Poorest fifth 3.4 >$18,000
Second fifth 8.7 $18,000-34,000
Third fifth 14.8 $34,000-53,000
Fourth fifth 23.4 $53,000-84,000
Richest fifth 49.8 Over $84,000
Top 5% (2002) 21.9 Over $150,000
Maintaining Inequality - Theories The elite use wealth and power to
organize armed forces stronger than that of the opposition.
Ideologies that justify the status quo of inequality.
Ideology Ideas and beliefs that legitimize and
reinforce inequalities in stratified societies.
Secular ideology An ideology that does not rely on the
will of supernatural powers but justifies inequality on the basis of its society wide benefits.
Theories of Inequality Functionalist
Societies offer unequal rewards to individuals with the scarcest talents.
Conflict Inequality is based on control over
productive resources.
Quick Quiz
1. An egalitarian society:
a) refers to the fact that all men are created equal
b) refers to few differences in access to rewards between families and/or kin groups
c) means that females and males receive equal or nearly equal rewards
d) all of the above
Answer: b
An egalitarian society refers to few differences in access to rewards between families and/or kin groups.
2. The major difference between class and caste is that the latter:
a) are endogamous groups
b) are theoretically hereditary
c) prevent intercaste contact
d) all of the above
Answer: d
The major difference between class and caste is that castes are endogamous groups, are theoretically hereditary, and prevent intercaste contact.
3. In the U.S., the most widely accepted approach to stratification uses the concept of:
a) economic class
b) status groups
c) religion
d) occupational prestige
Answer: a
In the U.S., the most widely accepted approach to stratification uses the concept of economic class.