4 Status, Prestige, and Power Free Online FlashCards

What is social status?

Social status is a socially recognized position that carries expectations, rights, or obligations.

What is prestige?

Prestige is the esteem or respect socially granted to a status, occupation, group, or person.

How do ascribed and achieved statuses differ?

Ascribed statuses are assigned with little or no individual choice; achieved statuses arise through action or recognized accomplishment.

What does class mean in Weber’s framework?

In Weber’s framework, class concerns economic position and opportunities in markets, including access to income, property, and employment.

What role do parties play in Weber’s analysis?

Parties are organized groups that seek to influence power, often through political action.

How can high prestige coexist with limited class position and power?

A respected community leader may have high prestige but limited income or formal authority, showing that status, class, and power can diverge.

What is social closure?

Social closure occurs when a group draws boundaries to reserve opportunities or resources for members and restrict outsiders’ access.

How can social closure be formal or informal?

Formal closure uses explicit rules, such as licensing requirements; informal closure can use personal networks or preferences for an established professional image.

How can a professional credential both demonstrate skill and restrict access?

A credential can demonstrate useful expertise while also serving as a boundary around desirable work, especially when its cost or admissions process limits access.

Does social closure require deliberate coordination?

Social closure does not require a coordinated conspiracy; ordinary rules and practices can consistently advantage some groups.

What is social mobility, and what can shape its chances?

Mobility is a change in social position over time or across generations. Family resources, educational access, discrimination, and networks can affect who moves upward.

What is status inconsistency?

Status inconsistency is a mismatch across dimensions of social standing, such as high income with limited education or extensive education with low pay.