Other determinants are found in a society’s occupational structure. They lack access to the resources and support commonly provided to those whose parents have gone to college. This is one of the reasons first-generation college students do not fare as well as other students. They share these with a network of friends and family members that provide resources and support. People inherit not only social standing but also the cultural norms, values, and beliefs that accompany a certain lifestyle. Parents tend to pass their social position on to their children. One key determinant of social standing is our parents. Societies’ cultural beliefs often reinforce stratification. In some cultures, the elderly are esteemed, while in others, the elderly are disparaged or overlooked. For example, in some cultures, prestige is valued, and people who have them are revered more than those who don’t. While people are regularly categorized based on how rich or poor they are, other important factors influence social standing. In most societies, stratification is an economic system, based on wealth, the net value of money and assets a person has, and income, a person’s wages or investment dividends. (Credit: Orin Zebest/flickr)įactors that define stratification vary in different societies. Wealthy families do not typically live next door to poorer families, though this varies depending on the particular city and country. Neighborhoods often house people of the same social standing. But sociologists see how the structure of society affects a person's social standing and therefore is created and supported by society.įigure 9.4 The people who live in these houses most likely share similar levels of income and education. Most Americans believe the rising and falling is based on individual choices. No individual, rich or poor, can be blamed for social inequalities, but instead all participate in a system where some rise and others fall. Sociologists look to see if individuals with similar backgrounds, group memberships, identities, and location in the country share the same social stratification. While inequalities exist between individuals, sociologists are interested in larger social patterns. However, sociologists recognize social stratification as a society-wide system that makes inequalities apparent. This emphasis on choice, motivation, and self-effort perpetuates the American belief that people control their own social standing. In other words, hard work and talent-not inherited wealth, prejudicial treatment, institutional racism, or societal values-determine social mobility. Most people and institutions in the United States indicate that they value equality, a belief that everyone has an equal chance at success. Many factors determine a person’s social standing, such as wealth, income, education, family background, and power. People are sorted, or layered, into social categories. Figure 9.3 Strata in rock illustrate social stratification.
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