Lecture Notes on social stratification and inequality

Social stratification - structuring and organizing principle characterized by hierarchical division, classification and categorization of groups differentiated by gender, social class, ethnicity and religion

Inequality arises from the development and perpetuation of division of labor, social conflict and private property (Charon, 2001)

Division of labor - people do different things on which society puts value. Some works are highly valued than others.

Social conflict - competition between/among groups over scarce resources (e.g. power, land)

Private property - ownership (and accumulation) of valued resources giving people privileges and a source and basis of power over those who do not have and need the resources

Class inequality influences life's chances

Inequality is often institutionalized and built-in structures in society

Manifestations of inequality are in three arenas: economic (unequal distribution of wealth), social (lack of access to housing, education, health care, employment), and political (power and exclusion)

Questions:

- Is there something in our culture, socialization and institutions that contribute to the emergence and persistence of inequality in our society?

- How can we help foster equality in our society?


Reference:

Charon, J. (2001). Ten questions: A sociological perspective. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.