2 Theories of Class and Inequality Free Online FlashCards

What is social stratification?

Social stratification is the patterned ranking of people and groups in access to resources, power, and social recognition.

What does the Davis–Moore thesis argue?

The Davis–Moore thesis argues that unequal rewards motivate people to train for and fill positions considered important or demanding.

Who are the bourgeoisie and proletariat in Marxist theory?

The bourgeoisie own productive property and businesses; the proletariat sell their labor for wages.

What are Weber’s three dimensions of stratification?

Class concerns economic position and market chances; status concerns social honor and prestige; party refers to organized efforts to gain influence or power.

What are Bourdieu’s three main forms of capital?

Economic capital includes wealth and income; cultural capital includes valued knowledge, credentials, and ways of acting; social capital comes from relationships and networks.

How do class and status differ?

Class concerns economic position and life chances; status concerns social honor or prestige.

Why does social mobility alone not show that inequality is declining?

Social mobility is movement between social positions. Individual upward or downward movement can occur even while the overall distribution of resources and power remains unequal.

What are key criticisms of the functionalist account of rewards?

Critics argue that unequal rewards do not prove a job is more socially necessary and that unequal access to education, resources, and networks can shape who qualifies for highly rewarded work.

Why do Marxists see conflict between owners and workers?

Owners seek profit, while workers seek favorable pay and conditions. Marxists argue that this conflict helps reproduce economic power and inequality across generations.

What can a simple Marxist two-class model overlook?

Its classic two-class emphasis may not fully capture varied positions such as managers, professionals, and small business owners.

Why might people with similar incomes have different social standing?

They may have different status, class, or party positions. For example, a respected teacher may have high occupational prestige but less income or political influence than a business owner.

What is symbolic capital?

Symbolic capital is a resource recognized as legitimate prestige or authority.