Why Do Societies Stratify And What Are Some Ways In Which Ou
Why Do Societies Stratifywhat Are Some Ways In Which Our American Cul
Why do societies stratify? What are some ways in which our American culture stratifies people? See how long of a list you can come up with. What do you think are the functions of stratification? Share your response in an 8-9 sentence paragraph per question.
Discussion post instructions:
- Complete your posts and respond to more than two classmates.
- Complete original post and peer responses within the discussion time frame and on different days in the week. This allows for continued discussion.
- Write posts that are sufficiently long, relevant, and demonstrate a deep understanding.
- Include a question to encourage further discussion.
- Refer to resources inside and outside the course using accurate APA citation.
- Posts should be encouraging and respectful with proper grammar usage.
Paper For Above instruction
Societies globally develop stratification systems that organize individuals into hierarchical layers based on various factors such as socioeconomic status, race, gender, or education. Stratification persists because it helps to allocate resources, motivate individuals, and maintain social order, albeit often perpetuating inequality (Davis & Moore, 1945). In American culture, stratification manifests through class divisions, racial distinctions, gender roles, and levels of educational attainment. For example, socioeconomic status influences access to quality education, healthcare, and housing, often privileging some groups over others. Racial stratification remains evident through disparities in employment opportunities, income, and judicial treatment, disproportionately affecting minorities such as African Americans and Hispanics. Gender stratification can be seen in wage gaps, occupational segregation, and societal expectations regarding gender roles. Additionally, educational attainment contributes to stratification, where those with higher degrees tend to secure better-paying jobs, thus maintaining social hierarchies. Other forms include age-based stratification and distinctions based on physical ability or disability. These stratification mechanisms serve functions such as motivating individuals to achieve upward mobility, reinforcing social cohesion among similar groups, and providing a sense of order. However, they also reinforce systemic inequalities that challenge social justice and mobility. Understanding these stratification systems helps us critically analyze how societal structures influence individual opportunities and life chances.
Encouraging Further Discussion Question
How can society work toward reducing the disparities created by stratification, and what role can policy changes or social movements play in promoting greater equality?
References
Davis, K., & Moore, W. E. (1945). Some Principles of Stratification. American Sociological Review, 10(2), 242-249.
Hochschild, J. L. (2016). Facing Up to Inequality: How Society Can Reduce Economic Disparities. Harvard University Press.
Katz, M. B. (2014). The Price of Citizenship: Reducing Inequality. University of Pennsylvania Press.
Massey, D. S., & Denton, N. A. (1993). American Apartheid: Segregation and the Making of the Underclass. Harvard University Press.
Miller, J. B. (2016). Gender and Society. Oxford University Press.
Willis, P. (2010). Learning to Labor: How Working Class Kids Get Working Class Jobs. Columbia University Press.
Harrington, M. (1962). The Other America: Poverty in the United States. Macmillan.
Wacquant, L. (2009). Punishing the Poor: The Neoliberal Government of Social Insecurity. Duke University Press.
Reeves, R. V. (2018). Dream Hoarders: How the American Upper Middle Class Is Leaving Everyone Else in the Dust. Brookings Institution Press.