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1. Dimensions of Stratification. Unit 5, Social Stratification. Social Stratification. Ranking of people/groups according to their place in society Social Class : segment of society whose members hold a similar place in society. Per cent distribution of age at death by region, 2004.
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1. Dimensions of Stratification Unit 5, Social Stratification
Social Stratification • Ranking of people/groups according to their place in society • Social Class: segment of society whose members hold a similar place in society
3 Dimensions of Social Stratification • Economic • Power • Prestige
Karl Marx and Max Weber • Provided the foundations of study in the economic dimension of stratification • Studied power and wealth • Saw 2 social classes • Bourgeoisie: owns the means of production • Proletariat: laborers
Income vs. Wealth • Income: your paycheck • Wealth: what you own (businesses, homes, property, etc)
Income Inequality in America “If we made an income pyramid out of a child’s blocks, with each layer portraying $500 of income, the peak would be higher than Mt. Everest, but most people would be within a few feet of the ground” ~Paul Samuelson
Income Fact • The richest 20% of Americans make more than 50% of the income • The poorest 20% of Americans make less than 4% of the income • This gap continues to grow over time!
Wealth Fact • The richest 20% of American hold 84% of the wealth • The richest 1% of Americans hold 33% of the wealth • This gap also continues to grow over time!
Power • The ability to control the behavior of others, even against their will. • This can be attached to our wealth, but also to our roles and statuses (Hitler, Obama, ME)
Rank from least to most prestigious • Movie Star • Social Worker • War Veteran • Homeless Person • Doctor • Teacher • Child • Parent