Sociologists use the term social stratification to describe the system of social standing. Social stratification refers to a society's categorization of its people into rankings of socioeconomic tiers based on factors like wealth, income, race, education, and power. Show Strata in rock illustrate social stratification. People are sorted, or layered, into social categories. Many factors determine a person's social standing, such as income, education, occupation, as well as age,
race, gender, and even physical abilities. (Photo courtesy of Just a Prairie Boy/flickr) The people who live in these houses most likely share similar levels of income and education. Neighborhoods often house people of the same social standing. Wealthy families do not typically live next door to poorer families, though this varies depending on the particular city and country. (Photo courtesy of Orin Zebest/flickr) Which theoretical perspective focuses on everyday interactions and views social stratification from a micro4. Symbolic interactionists examine stratification from a micro-level perspective. 5. They observe how social standing affects people's everyday interactions and how the concept of "social class" is constructed and maintained through everyday interactions.
Which theory best explains social stratification?According to conflict theory, stratification results from lack of opportunity and discrimination against the poor and people of color. According to symbolic interactionism, social class affects how people interact in everyday life and how they view certain aspects of the social world.
What are the three main theories of social life?These three theoretical orientations are: Structural Functionalism, Symbolic Interactionism, and Conflict Perspective.
Which theory is deeply critical of social stratification because it benefits only some people?Conflict Theory
Conflict theorists are deeply critical of social stratification, asserting that it benefits only some people, not all of society. For instance, to a conflict theorist, it seems wrong that a basketball player is paid millions for an annual contract while a public school teacher earns $35,000 a year.
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