Chapter 13

Social Stratification in Contemporary Societies: Class,

Caste and Race

Chapter Questions & key points

How do anthropologists explain social stratification?

What are some differences among class-, caste- , and racially stratified societies?

Degree to which individuals have equal access to wealth, power & prestige.

Basis: Physical appearance, ethnicity, profession, family

background, gender, ideology, age or skill in economic/political roles.

Chapter Questions

What are some characteristics of the social stratification system in the United States, and how does it affect the lives and lifestyles of individuals and groups?

How has anthropology contributed to antiracism in the United States?

What are some similarities and differences between the racial stratification systems of Brazil and the United States?

Dimensions of Social Inequality (stratification)

Power—control resources in one’s own interest.

Wealth—accumulation of material resources or access to production.

Prestige—social honor or respect.

Status & Types of Societies

Ascribed Status Achieved Status Types of societies:

Egalitarian Rank societies Stratified

Class Caste

Social Class in the United States

Status depends on occupation, education, and lifestyle.

“The American Dream,” democratic principle of equality and opportunity for all.

Social class in the United States. Homeless people Welfare recipients Money “whitens”

Caste System

System of stratification based on birth.

Movement from one caste to another is not possible.

Castes are hereditary, endogamous, ranked in relation to one another and usually associated with a traditional occupation.

Hindu Caste System

Four caste categories1. Brahmins - priests and scholars2. Kshatriyas - ruling and warrior caste3. Vaisyas - the merchants4. Shudras - menial workers and artisans5. Harijans – “untouchables”

U.S. Racial Stratification Systems

Race- social construction & biological fallacy.

Divides people into “blacks” and “whites” Theories of stratification

Social inequality- a human universal? Rule of Hypo descent. “Melting pot” & Anglo Conformity Separatism or Pluralism (Multiculturalism) By year 2050- 53% Latinos Immigration issues

Race Stratification in the U.S. and Brazil

Two largest multiracial societies in the Americas.

Legacy of slavery =racial inequality. Brazil: 45% of nonwhite families and 25% of

white families live below the poverty line. U.S.: 30% of nonwhite families and 8% of

white families live below the poverty line.