Basic Terms
Views society on a macro level, as complex and working together to promote stability and continuity
What is functionalism?
movement between or within social classes or strata
What is mobility
Social position is determined by birth; there is little chance of moving from 1 stratum to another
What is a closed system?
Ideology states that everyone has same opportunity, based on skills, drive and ambition.
What is meritocracy?
Sees society on macro level, where an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change. Looks at patterns of inequality
What is conflict theory?
group of people who: Share similar rank or place in society Similar opportunities Share values and behavior
What is social class?
Power, prestige and economic status define this
What is socioeconomic status?
Sees society on a micro level, focuses on everyday interactions - our lives are the product of everyday interactions (minimizes the impact of culture).
What is symbolic interactionism?
system based on lords and serfs
What is estate system?
White collar sales and clerical , shop owners, office workers w/o high managerial skills, gov’t workers, supervisors for laborers
What are typical jobs for lower middle class?
rating that combines social factors such as educational level, occupational prestige, and place of residence with economic factor of income to determine individual’s position in stratification system
What is socioeconomic status?
protects self-esteem and maximizes their ability to extract enjoyment from dismal circumstances
What does adopting "culture of poor" mentallity do for those living in poverty?
describes change in person’s status, either upward or downward during person’s lifetime
What is intragenerational mobility
post-agricultural societies where owning of people is a means of production
What is slave system?
Elite education 3-5% of U.S. Single most influential group in corporations, foundations, institutes
What are characteristics of upper class?