9: Social Stratification in the United States — Read

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9.1: Introduction
9.2: What Is Social Stratification?
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.
9.3: Social Stratification and Mobility in the United States
Most sociologists define social class as a grouping based on similar factors like wealth, income, education, and occupation. These factors affect how much power and prestige a person has. Social stratification reflects an unequal distribution of resources. In most cases, having more money means having more power or more opportunities. Stratification can also result from physical and intellectual traits. Categories that affect social standing include ancestry, race, ethnicity, age, & gender.
9.4: Global Stratification and Inequality
Global stratification compares the wealth, economic stability, status, and power of countries across the world. Global stratification highlights worldwide patterns of social inequality. In the early years of civilization, hunter-gatherer and agrarian societies lived off the earth and rarely interacted with other societies. When explorers began traveling, societies began trading goods, as well as ideas and customs.
9.5: Theoretical Perspectives on Social Stratification
9.6: Key Terms
9.7: Section Summary
9.8: Section Quiz
9.9: Short Answer
9.10: Further Research
9.11: References

Thumbnail: This house, formerly owned by the famous television producer, Aaron Spelling, was for a time listed for $150 million dollars. It is considered one of the most extravagant homes in the United States, and is a testament to the wealth generated in some industries. (Photo courtesy of Atwater Village Newbie/flickr).

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