70 likes | 108 Views
Chapter 13 Social Inequality and Stratification. Key Terms. inequality The extent to which culturally valued material and social rewards are allocated disproportionately to individuals, families, and other groups.
E N D
inequalityThe extent to which culturally valued material and social rewards are allocated disproportionately to individuals, families, and other groups. • egalitarianForm of society in which there is little inequality in access to culturally valued rewards.
rankedSociety in which there are a fixed number of statuses that carry prestige, and only certain individuals are eligible to attain these statuses. • stratifiedSociety with marked and usually heritable differences in access to wealth, power and prestige, inequality is based on unequal access to productive and valued resources.
classSystem of stratification in which membership in a stratum can theoretically be altered and intermarriage between strata is allowed. • casteStratification systems in which membership in a status is in theory hereditary, strata are endogamous, and contact or relations between members of different strata are governed by explicit laws, norms or prohibitions.
ideology (narrow meaning of the term)Ideas and beliefs that legitimize and reinforce inequalities in stratified societies. • secular ideologyAn ideology that does not rely on the will of supernatural powers but justifies inequality on the basis of its society wide benefits.
functional theory of inequalityUnless society offers unequal rewards for unequal talents and efforts, the most talented people will have no incentive to put their talents to work for the welfare of all. • conflict theory of inequalityInequality offers few benefits to anyone except the elite and, indeed, is harmful to the whole society because of the conflicts it creates.