7.2 Theories of Stratification

• What is social stratification?

  Hierarchical arrangement of society
• Wealth is defined as the total value of assets owned minus liabilities
• Power refers to the ability to influence others and make decisions.


  True
• The functionalist view sees social inequality as inherently problematic.

  False
• What is the purpose of stratification according to the functionalist perspective?

  Ensure talented individuals rise
• The functionalist perspective argues that higher rewards motivate individuals to fill critical roles
• Marxist theory views stratification as functional and necessary for society.

  False
• Steps in the symbolic interactionist view of stratification

  1️⃣ Shared cultural understandings develop through interactions

  2️⃣ Meanings and symbols are attached to status and class

  3️⃣ Social stratification emerges from negotiated processes
• What is the symbolic interactionist perspective's view of stratification?

  Fluid, negotiated process
• The symbolic interactionist perspective emphasizes the role of shared meanings in shaping social stratification.


  True
• Social status is not an objective fact, but rather emerges from the meanings and symbols that people attach to it through social interaction.
• The prestige of a doctor over a janitor is inherent and not socially constructed.

  False
• The symbolic interactionist perspective views social stratification as a negotiated and fluid process shaped by shared understandings and symbolic representations.
• Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups based on unequal access to resources, wealth, power, and prestige.
• The Davis-Moore thesis argues that higher rewards motivate talented individuals to fill critical positions in society.
• Marxists argue that the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat by keeping the surplus value of their labor.
• Social stratification is viewed as a fixed and unchanging system by the symbolic interactionist perspective.

  False
• What is the central argument of the functionalist perspective on stratification?

  Stratification is necessary and functional for society
• The conflict perspective argues that stratification reflects inherent inequality and class conflict
• How does the symbolic interactionist perspective view stratification?

  It is socially constructed
• Social status and class are objective facts according to symbolic interactionists

  False
• The prestige associated with a job like a doctor versus a janitor is not inherent, but rather socially constructed
• What does the symbolic interactionist perspective emphasize about stratification?

  Its fluid and negotiated nature
• Steps of Weber's Multidimensional Approach

  1️⃣ Identify economic class based on wealth

  2️⃣ Assess social status based on prestige

  3️⃣ Evaluate political power to influence others
• What is the definition of economic class in Weber's multidimensional approach?

  Economic standing based on wealth and income
• Social prestige and honor associated with a group is referred to as status
• What does political power refer to in Weber's multidimensional approach?

  Ability to influence others and make decisions
• Weber agreed with Marx that stratification is solely determined by economic class

  False
• Weber's approach emphasizes that multiple factors contribute to an individual's position in society
• Match each perspective with its key application and criticism:

  Functionalist ↔️ Justifies existing inequalities, overlooks power

  Conflict (Marxist) ↔️ Analyzes class conflict, oversimplifies modern societies

  Symbolic Interactionist ↔️ Highlights fluid nature of status, lacks explanation of shared understandings

  Weber's Multidimensional ↔️ Captures nuances of inequality, overly complex
• What is a key criticism of Weber's multidimensional approach?

  Overly complex and difficult to operationalize empirically
• What is prestige in the context of social stratification?

  Social respect and honor
• Key concepts of the functionalist perspective on stratification

  1️⃣ Stratification ensures talented individuals fill important positions

  2️⃣ Higher rewards motivate people to fill critical roles

  3️⃣ Efficiency increases by ensuring qualified people are in key jobs

  4️⃣ Stratification is inevitable and necessary for society
• The functionalist perspective argues that stratification ensures the most talented individuals occupy the most important positions
• Match the Marxist concepts with their explanations:

  Bourgeoisie ↔️ Owners of the means of production

  Proletariat ↔️ Workers who sell their labor

  Exploitation ↔️ Surplus value retained by owners
• According to Marxist theory, conflict and revolution are necessary to overthrow the capitalist system.
• What are the two main classes in Marxist theory?

  Bourgeoisie and proletariat
• From the symbolic interactionist perspective, stratification is shaped by shared cultural understandings and symbolic representations
• What is the key idea of the functionalist perspective on stratification?

  Stratification is necessary
• Social stratification is solely determined by objective factors like wealth and income.

  False