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Today:

This article explores the various social stratification theories, including the conflict perspective, functionalist perspective, and symbolic interactionist perspective. It delves into the causes of poverty and examines how U.S. policy has influenced social stratification. The article also discusses the concept of social class and the power elite. Extra credit options and a video review are available on the website.

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Today:

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  1. Today: Economics Continued Social Stratification Theories “Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.” George Sheehan, Philosopher “There are some things that are bigger than pursing a championship. Pursuing a championship is worthwhile. Making a stand, on something that impacts society, is even more important.” ESPN commentator Jeff Van Gundy (also former Nicks coach)

  2. Article Reflectionand Extra Credit Options on Website • All extra credit due 1 week before finals • Article reflection and extra credit due MW May 5th TTH May 6th • Must be typed and handed in, not e-mailed • http://soc14.weebly.com/articles.html

  3. What is social stratification? Institutionalized pattern of inequality Some people get more access to resources than others Reflecting inequalities in life chances

  4. Conflict Perspective Karl Marx: Ruling class controls the economic system for its own benefit Exploits and oppresses the masses

  5. Conflict Perspective Occupy Wall Street Protests http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zgr3DiqWYCI

  6. Causes of PovertyFunctionalist Perspective • Poverty persists because it performs some positive function

  7. Causes of PovertyFunctionalist Perspective Sociologist Kingsley Davis and Wilber Moore (1945) highly criticized view: • Provides society with people willing to do less desirable jobs • Provides jobs • Provides a market for lesser goods

  8. Causes of PovertyFunctionalist Perspective Sociologists Kingsley Davis and Wilber Moore (1945) highly criticized view • Talents are rewarded • All positions in a society (doctors - janitors) must be filled • Poverty discourages people from neglecting their social duties

  9. Functionalist Perspective • Criticized because not all careers are rewarded for their value in society

  10. Causes of PovertyFunctionalist Perspective Major institutions in society not functioning properly 1. bad economy

  11. Causes of PovertyFunctionalist Perspective Major institutions in society not functioning properly 2. bad schools

  12. Causes of PovertyFunctionalist Perspective Major institutions in society not functioning properly 3. family breakdown

  13. Causes of PovertyFunctionalist Perspective Major institutions in society not functioning properly 4. problems with government assistance

  14. Causes of PovertySymbolic Interactionist Perspective Culture of poverty: viewing problematic behaviors as normal (selling drugs, dropping out of school, not having a job)

  15. Causes of PovertyInteractionist Perspective- 1st view People get used to living in poverty Have difficulty changing the situation Criticized because it seems to “blame the victim”

  16. Symbolic Interactionist Perspective 2nd view • low morals • irresponsible • lazy • low motivation • low ability • motivated • hardworking • capable • deserving of wealth • evil, greedy, undeserving

  17. The American Dream-Rags to Riches “America is the land of opportunities, anyone who works hard enough can achieve anything and accomplish any goal.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

  18. Story of Gloria • Socialism – spread the wealth/resources evenly • Capitalism – competition for wealth 1:22-6:03 5:15-17:30

  19. How has U.S. policy influenced social stratification?View: The Way We Live. Ups and Downs of Social Stratification

  20. The American Dream-Rags to Riches Horatio Alger myth: belief that due to limitless possibilities anyone can get ahead if he or she tries hard enough

  21. What is social class? Ability to get others to do what you want Level of respect an individual or their position demands Property and income minus debt 1864-1920 Max Weber: people who rank closely to one another in terms of:

  22. Status consistent vs. Status inconsistent Rank equally on all = Status Consistent Status inconsistent =not equal on all 3 measures of class

  23. What is social class? Lawyer who works for a firm and clients Independent cab driver who owns his taxi 1818 –1883 *Bourgeois= adjective Karl Marx: a system of “haves” and “have-nots” based on the means of production 2 classes: bourgeoisie and proletariat

  24. C. Wright Mills Power Elite Key people in three major institutions of modern society: economy military government 1916-1962

  25. Power Elite Small group of people who control a high amount of wealth and access to decision-making of global consequence

  26. a. Symbolic Interactionist A: people get accustomed to living in poverty and therefore have difficulty changing the situation • b. Symbolic Interactionist B: people in poverty get labeled as lazy and lose out on opportunities due to the label • c. Structural Functionalist: poverty is a functional in society, it motivatespeople to seek higher rewards • d. Conflict Theory: The masses are exploited by the few who have money and power Which explanation of poverty applies best to today’s economic crisis?

  27. Extra Credit OpportunityVideo Review View Mammoth

  28. Coming up: Next Class: Health-Read article on website College Students’ Health

  29. Capitalism A Love Story View Capitalism A Love Story Michael Moore Extra credit option

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