Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of large social groups based on their control over basic resources. Stratification in the United States—which is based on the class system—is linked with global systems of stratification that affect people’slife chances. A person’s position in a class system is determined by the wealth, power, and prestige that the person has. Stratification also exists on a global basis; countries around the world can be categorized as high-, middle-, or low-income nations. The high-income nations (including the United States) account for 86 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (the goods or services produced). Among the aspects of the U.S. class system that sociologists study are the classes themselves and the class-based distribution of people by age, race/ethnicity, sex, and household composition. Sociologists also study the consequences of living in poverty and wealth, including differences in health and nutrition, housing, and education. Explanations for poverty and wealth include cultural and structural aspects and differ depending on the sociological perspective (functionalist, conflict, or symbolic interactionist) used to examine the social problem.
Chapter 2 Discussion Post by Wednesday 9/26/18 11:59PM and Respond by Sunday, 9/30/18 11:59PM
What Does It Mean to Me? Post
Discussion Question Post once and reply to at least 1 classmate. Reply to more than 1 classmate to get maximum points. You may not post and respond to a classmate on the same day.
Your original Post:
- Answer the question: Who or what has shaped your beliefs about the cause of poverty and about those who are poor?
- Devise a plan to combat poverty in the United States
