THEORIES OF STRAT + DIFF

• What is stratification?

  involved using socially recognised differences as a basis for power. Society can be ordered into ‘layers’ with differing amounts of power and status
• what is differentiation?

  the differences between people that are socially recognised and acted upon
• what is power?

  the capacity of individuals or groups to get their own way in any given situation
• what is physical power?

  may involve violence or the threat of violence
• what is economic power?

  involves control over resources
• what is social power?

  involves the acceptance of power by others, authority
• what are the five socially recognised differences?

  class

  age

  gender

  ethnicity

  disability
• what is an open system?

  where power is achieved as a result of hard work, talent and good fortune
• what is a closed system?

  power is ascribed at birth based on family or cultural factors