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

Child mortality rates by cause and region, 2004

3 Dimensions of Social Stratification

1.Economic

2.Power

3.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

• Doctor

• Teacher

• Child

• Parent

• Movie Star

• Social Worker

• War Veteran

• Homeless Person