Transcript Document 7366374

GROUP EXERCISE
Here is the situation. Imagine for example that genetic engineers
have developed and prescribed designer drugs capable of
dramatically increasing intelligence, memory and motivation for
all Americans. Suddenly Americans of all walks of life become
capable of “making something of themselves” and they all possess
the will to do so. With their new found drive and ability, they
begin to pursue degrees in higher education as tickets to the good
life. Short period of time later, virtually all Americans acquire
the credentials and training required to apply for society’s most
prestigious and high paying jobs, such as doctors, lawyers,
business executives etc.
How will society look like if this were to be the case?
SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
• System that divides people into groups on
the basis of power, prestige and wealth.
• American stratification ideology – that drive
and ability is all you need to succeed.
• Equality will not succeed because of the
inequalities that exist in the larger society,
particularly in the labor market.
• So what can be done about inequality?
Attack structural factors.
SYSTEMS OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
• Slavery – people own other people.
• Caste System – status is determined by birth
and is lifelong.
– Ascribed status is the basis of caste system.
– Endogamic marriages preserve the boundaries
between castes.
• Clan system – found in agricultural
societies. An individuals status depends on
lineage.
• Class system – based on material
possession.
• Even among all these systems gender is
always an essential part of these distinctions
within each layer.
Why is Social Stratification Universal?
• Structural Functionalist theory –
stratification performs a service for society.
What determines social class
• Karl Marx argued that class is determined
by one’s relationship to the means of
production – tools, factories, land, and
investment capital that is used to produce
wealth.
Answer the following questions as you watch the
movie, the “Untouchables”.
a) What is the origin of the caste system.
b) How does the caste system influence peoples lives?
c) What are the untouchables doing to reclaim their
dignity? How are the high caste people responding?
d) How many untouchables still do the “filthy” jobs?