Explanations of Social Stratification

Chapter 8

Section 2

Functionalist Perspective

Stratification ensures that the most qualified people fill the most important positions

Recognizes inequality as existing because some jobs are more important and require talent and training

Monetary rewards and prestige awarded to those who make sacrifices required to get special training. Example: doctors earn more money and prestige than busboys

Conflict Theory & Stratification

Inequality exists because some people are willing to exploit others

False consciousness- adoption of the ideas of the dominant class by the less powerful class

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

People are socialized to accept the existing stratification structure

People are taught that those on top have worked hard and used their abilities, whereas those on the bottom lack talent and the motivation to suceed

Lower class = lower self esteem because of the messages they see all around them

Theoretical Perspective

Research Topic Expected Result

Functionalism Relationship between job performance and pay

Pay level increase with job performance

Conflict Theory Relationship between the social classes and the likelihood of being punished for a crime

The chances of prosecution decrease as the level of social class increases

Symbolic Interactionism

Link between Social Class and Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is higher among the upper class than the lower class

Social Classes in America

Chapter 8

Section 3

Class Consciousness

A sense of identification with the goals and interests of a social class

Not as strong in the United States, which caused research into social classes to occur relatively late here

The Upper Class

1% of the population Can be divided: Upper-upper and lower-

upper Upper-upper is the “old money,” go to

the best private schools, members of most elite clubs, seldom marry outside of class

Lower-Upper

Achievement and earned income rather than birth and inherited wealth

May actually be better off financially than the upper-upper class, but are often not accepted into their social circles

The Middle Class

40-50% of Americans are middle class, though most people consider themselves to be

Upper-middle class(14%): have been successful in business, politics or the military. Typically college educated, active in volunteer and political organizations

Middle-Middle Class

Quite a mix: Owners of small businesses and and farms, independent professionals, clergy, teachers, firefighters, nurses, social workers, police officers, lower level managers

30%, many have only a high school education, but some have associate or bachelor’s degrees. Make around the national average income.

Interested in political activities but less involved than the classes above them

The Working Class

Lower-middle class: 1/3 of population Roofers, delivery truck drivers, machine

operators, salespeople Below-average income and unstable

employment, often lack health and retirement benefits

Involved in unions

The Working Poor

13% population: people employed in low-skill jobs with the lowest pay who do not earn enough to rise out of poverty

Tend not to belong to organizations or participate in political process

The Underclass

12% of population: people typically employed who came from families that have been poor for generations

Often on public assistance, sometimes physical or mental disabilities, single mothers with no income

Lack of skills to attain jobs