2006-11-13 04:16:00 · 5 answers · asked by brenda 1 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
In sociology, social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement of social classes, castes, and strata within a society. While these hierarchies are not universal to all societies, they are the norm among state-level cultures (as distinguished from hunter-gatherers or other social arrangements
Social stratification is regarded quite differently by the principal perspectives of sociology. Proponents of structural-functional analysis suggest that since social stratification exists in most state societies, a hierarchy must therefore be beneficial in helping to stabilize their existence. Conflict theorists consider the inaccessibility of resources and lack of social mobility in many stratified societies. They conclude, often working from the theories of Karl Marx, that stratification means that working class people are not likely to advance socioeconomically, while the wealthy may continue to exploit the proletariat generation after generation. "The advancement [of] technology has changed the structure of mobility completely" (Francois Adley). However, some conflict theorists, mainly Max Weber and his followers, also critique Marx's view and point out that social stratification is not purely based on economic inequalities but is equally shaped by status and power differentials. They proceed to examine the basis and structure of stratification in society along all of the three axes.
Anthropologists have confirmed that social stratification is not universal as once thought. Non-stratified egalitarian societies exist which have little or no concept of social hierarchy, political or economic status, class, or even permanent leadership. Also known as acephalous (or "headless") societies, the best examples of egalitarian cultures all have hunter-gatherer economies, although not all hunter-gatherers can be considered egalitarian.
2006-11-15 07:29:44 · answer #1 · answered by screaming frenzy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to Marx: That is the stride that helps history move somewhere.
2006-11-13 04:42:56 · answer #2 · answered by sofista 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A party at the Playboy Mansion
2006-11-13 08:24:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
greed and power
2006-11-13 04:20:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
what's the question here?
2006-11-13 14:38:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋