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Social Mobility
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What is Social Stratification?
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Social stratification is “...the division of society
into levels, steps or positions”
Stratification is, in essence, the structured
inequality of entire categories of people
Stratification is different than mere inequality,
which refers to the uneven distribution of
opportunities and rewards to individuals and
groups.
When these inequalities becomes structured
into society and passed on from generation to
generation, we have social stratification
Social Mobility
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Social mobility refers to the movement of
persons or groups from one social stratum to
another
Social mobility is more possible in open
societies which provide greater opportunities
for mobility, than in closed societies which fixes
one’s position at birth
Sociologists distinguish between several types
of mobility
Types of Social Mobility
Direction of Movement
Across
Up or Down
Horizontal Mobility
Vertical Mobility
Time Frame for Mobility
Single Generation
Two or More Generations
Intra-generational
Mobility
Inter-generational
Mobility
Factors Affecting Social
Mobility
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Sociologists have identified several
structural-level factors which impact the
likelihood of social mobility
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Economic Conditions
Chance
Population: Number of people in the
workforce
Education
Openness of society
Absolute and Relative Mobility
Absolute Mobility
Relative mobility
Is defined as the overall numbers of
individuals from specific origins
reaching particular class locations and
is expressed as a percentage.
E.G. between 1950 and 1972 16% of
working class boys had reached
middle class locations
Between 1945 and 1980 there was
significant absolute mobility in British
society – can you think of any
reasons why
Refers to the relative chances of
mobility from particular classes across
generations – by using relative
mobility data it is possible to assess
whether society is becoming more or
less open
Since 1980 the relative chances of
mobility (compared to previous
generations) has slowed down – can
you think of any reasons why?
Types of Stratification
Systems
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Caste systems are very rigid,
closed systems of stratification
based on ascribed characteristics
such as skin color or family
identity
Estate systems are also closed
systems based largely on
inheritance
Class systems are open systems
that permit meaningful social
mobility
Dimensions of Social
Stratification
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Wealth—the economic assets of an
individual, including income,
monetary assets and other holdings
Power—the ability to attain goals and
maintain influence over others, even
in the absence of their consent
Prestige—the approval and respect
received from other members of
society
Theories of Stratification:
Functionalist Theory
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You will remember that functionalist theory
understands society as a “system” or “organism”
As functionalists, Kingsley Davis and Wilbert
Moore contended that stratification was a
necessity for society because:
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Society has numerous positions that must be fulfilled if
it is to function properly
Some positions, however are more important for the
maintenance of society (e.g., physicians)
Finally, some positions require special talents that are
not generally prevalent in the population
Hence, functionally important positions and/or
positions requiring rare talent are rewarded most
highly
Criticisms of Functional
Theory
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Are highly rewarded roles really functional?
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Critics question the functional importance of certain
highly rewarded positions such as actors and sports
figures, in contrast to positions such as school teachers
or social workers
The Stratification System itself Inhibits Talent and
Abilities
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Many barriers are placed in the way of individuals from
lower classes to keep them from competing effectively
Theories of Stratification:
Marxist Conflict Theory
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Suggests that social stratification is
determined by the relations of production
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bourgeoisie--capitalists who own the means of
production
proletariat--wage laborers who sell their labor
to bourgeoisie
Interests of these two classes are
intrinsically opposed
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Power of the capitalists allows them to impose
their will and realize their interests
According to Marx, the proletariat will eventually
develop a class consciousness, and ultimately
overthrow the capitalists
Comparing Functional and Conflict Theories
Functional Theory
Stratification is universal, necessary and
inevitable
The social system shapes the
stratification system
Stratification arises from societal need
for integration and coordination
Stratification facilitates the optimal
functioning of society
Stratification is an expression of
commonly shared social values
Power is distributed legitimately in
society
Tasks and rewards are allocated
equitably
The economic dimension is subordinate
to other dimensions of society
Stratification systems generally change
through evolution
Marxist Theory
Stratification is universal, but not
necessary or inevitable
The stratification system shapes the
social system
Stratification arises from group
competition and conflict
Stratification impedes the optimal
functioning of society
Stratification is an expression of the
values of powerful groups
Power is distributed illegitimately in
society
Tasks and rewards are not allocated
equitably
The economic dimension is paramount
in society
Stratification systems change through
revolution
Revision Questions
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What is the difference between inequality and stratification?
How can “social mobility” be defined?
What factors affect social mobility?
What type of stratification system allows for stratification?
What are the three dimensions of social stratification?
How do functionalists view stratification?
How can functionalism be criticised?
How do Marxists view stratification?
Why was there significant absolute mobility 1945-80?
Why have the current generations chances of social mobility
(relative mobility) declined since 1980?