Concept 6: Vocabulary Ch. 11 Overview and CTWU 6, Ch. 11

for the first assignment

1. Social stratification

Definition: The way society ranks people into different levels or layers based on factors like wealth, power, and prestige.

Example: Social stratification can make it hard for some families to access good education.

2. Social mobility

Definition: The ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the social hierarchy.

Example: Getting a college degree can increase a persons social mobility.

3. Caste system

Definition: A system of social stratification where people are born into a social group and usually cannot change it.

Example: In a caste system, a persons job and social status are often decided at birth.

4. Class system

Definition: A system where people are ranked by wealth, education, and occupation, and movement between classes is possible.

Example: Hard work and education can help someone move up in a class system.

5. Meritocracy

Definition: A system where people achieve status based on their talents, skills, and effort rather than birth.

Example: A meritocracy rewards employees who perform the best at their jobs.

6. Status consistency

Definition: When a persons social positions in terms of wealth, prestige, and power are similar.

Example: A doctor usually has high status consistency because they are wealthy, respected, and powerful in their field.

7. Structural social mobility

Definition: Changes in society that enable large numbers of people to move up or down the social ladder.

Example: Economic growth led to structural social mobility, allowing many families to improve their living standards.

8. Ideology

Definition: A set of beliefs or values that explain or justify social arrangements.

Example: The belief that hard work always leads to success is a common ideology in capitalist societies.

9. Davis-Moore thesis

Definition: A theory that social stratification has beneficial consequences, as it motivates people to fill important roles.

Example: According to the Davis-Moore thesis, doctors earn more because their work is highly important.

10. Blue-collar occupation

Definition: A job that usually involves manual labor or skilled trades.

Example: My uncle works a blue-collar occupation as an electrician.

11. White-collar occupation

Definition: A job that typically involves office work or professional work rather than manual labor.

Example: My sister has a white-collar occupation as an accountant.

12. Socioeconomic status (SES)

Definition: A persons combined social and economic position, often measured by income, education, and occupation.

Example: SES can influence access to healthcare and educational opportunities.

13. Conspicuous consumption

Definition: Spending money on luxury goods or services to display wealth or status.

• Example: Buying an expensive car just to show off is an example of conspicuous consumption.

The second assignment

Heres a clear and concise CTWU response you can use and edit if needed:

• The Davis-Moore thesis argues that social stratification is beneficial for society because it motivates individuals to fill important and demanding roles. According to this theory, jobs that require more skill, education, or responsibilitysuch as doctors, engineers, or judgesreceive higher rewards like prestige, income, and power. Less critical or less demanding roles, like janitorial work or basic service jobs, receive lower rewards. This system, proponents argue, ensures that the most qualified people occupy the positions essential for society to function. However, critics point out that the thesis assumes that reward is always based on societal importance rather than inequality, and many high-paying jobs, like celebrities or professional athletes, are not necessarily vital to society. Additionally, it overlooks structural barriers that prevent some individuals from accessing education or high-status jobs, limiting social mobility. Overall, while the Davis-Moore thesis explains why society rewards certain roles, it does not fully account for inequities in opportunity or the arbitrary nature of some high-paying positions.