Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Understand the fundamental concepts and significance of social stratification in society.
- Analyze key sociological theories explaining social stratification.
- Examine the roles of social class, race, ethnicity, and gender in shaping social hierarchies.
- Evaluate global variations in social stratification and the impact of social mobility mechanisms.
- Explore the relationship between social stratification, education, poverty, and social change.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 2486: Social Stratification
1. Introduction to Social Stratification
- Definition of social stratification
- Types of social stratification systems (e.g., caste, class, estate)
- Significance and functions of stratification in society
2. Theories of Social Stratification
- Functionalism
- Social roles and system stability
- Davis-Moore hypothesis
- Conflict Theory
- Power struggles and inequality
- Marxist perspectives on class conflict
- Symbolic Interactionism
- Social interactions and identity formation
- Everyday experiences of stratification
3. Social Class and Inequality
- Defining social class
- Class structures and models (e.g., Marxist classes, Weberian classes)
- Mechanisms perpetuating inequality
- Economic capital
- Social capital
- Cultural capital
4. Race, Ethnicity, and Social Stratification
- Concepts of race and ethnicity
- Intersectionality and layered inequalities
- Barriers faced by racial and ethnic minorities
- Impact on social mobility and access to resources
5. Gender and Social Stratification
- Gender roles and social expectations
- Gender-based discrimination
- The gender pay gap: causes and consequences
- Patriarchy and its influence on social hierarchies
6. Global Perspectives on Social Stratification
- Comparison of stratification systems worldwide
- Effects of globalization on social hierarchies
- Economic factors influencing global inequality
- Case studies from different regions
7. Mobility and Meritocracy
- Types of social mobility
- Intergenerational mobility
- Intragenerational mobility
- The concept of meritocracy
- Critiques and limitations of meritocracy
8. Poverty and Social Exclusion
- Causes of poverty
- Consequences for individuals and society
- Mechanisms of social exclusion
- Policies and interventions to reduce poverty and exclusion
9. Social Stratification and Education
- Education as a social stratifier
- Access and quality disparities
- Education’s impact on life chances and mobility
- The role of cultural and social capital in education
10. Social Movements and Social Change
- Historical social movements challenging stratification
- Strategies for addressing inequality
- Role of activism and policy reform
- Prospects for creating equitable societies
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