Dimensions of Stratification

1
Dimensions of Stratification

• Chapter 8
• Section 1

2
Social Stratification and Social Class

• Social Stratification ranking of people of
  groups according to their unequal access to
  scarce resources.
• Each layer is related to social class.
• Social Class a segment of society whose members
  hold similar amounts of resources and share
  values, norms, and identifiable lifestyle.
• Our society Upper, middle, lower.
• Developing countries Upper and lower.

3
Economic Dimension

• Karl Marx believed that capitalist societies
  would become two class society.
• Bourgeoisie class that owns the means of
  production.
• Proletariat class that labors without owning the
  means of production.

4
Economic Dimension continued

• Unequal distribution of economic resources.
• Income amount of money received by an individual
  or group over a specific time period.
• Wealth Total economic resources held by a person
  or group.
• How wealth distributed in the U.S.?
• 1999 32 million Americans living in poverty.
• Richest 20 holds 84 of wealth.
• Top 1 has 39 of wealth.
• This is rising.

5
Power Dimension

• Power ability to control the behavior of others,
  even against their will.
• Dont always have to be wealthy but is helpful.
• Things that hold Power
• Intelligence.
• Political.
• Social positions.
• Large amounts of people.

6
Prestige Dimension

• Prestige recognition, respect, and admiration
  attached to social positions.
• Prestige is defined by your culture and society.
• Has to be voluntarily given not claimed.
• Americans value wealth and power, therefore,
  occupations that gain wealth are assigned more
  prestige.