Introduction to Sociology: Concepts, Theories and Models
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Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 1 / 54 Introduction to Sociology: Concepts, Theories and Models. Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation April 15, 2008 Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 1 / 54 Chapter 7: Stratification and Social Structure Sergi Lozano and Dirk Helbing www.soms.ethz.ch [email protected] Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 2 / 54 Overview Overview 1 Introduction 2 Theories of Social Stratification 3 Social Mobility: When Things Can Change 4 Stratification and Social Structure 5 Mathematical and Computational Models 6 Main ideas and references Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 3 / 54 Introduction Social Stratification Social Stratification Social stratification: A system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. It’s a trait of society, not just a result of individual differences. It’s transmitted from generation to generation. It’s present in all kind of societies, but with variable characteristics. It’s supported by cultural beliefs (Macionis, 2007) Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 4 / 54 Introduction Social Stratification Examples of Social Stratification Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 5 / 54 Introduction Social Stratification Examples of Social Stratification Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 6 / 54 Introduction Social Stratification Social stratification and Inequality Social stratification ) not equal access to: (a) Wealth (b) Power (c) Prestige (d) Privileges Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 7 / 54 Introduction Status and Social Mobility Status and its Determination Status: Position occupied within the social hierarchy. Ascribed Status: Assigned at birth (who you are). Achieved Status: Reached by personal merit (what you can do). Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 8 / 54 Introduction Status and Social Mobility Social Mobility Social Mobility: Shift in social status. (Macionis, 2007) Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 9 / 54 Theories on Social stratification Theories on Social Stratification In the following we will review some theories around questions like: Why social stratification? What defines our social position? Is inequality fair? Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 10 / 54 Theories on Social stratification Functional approach Functionalist Theories Social stratification is natural and desirable (positive vision). Why? Because 1 society is a system of roles and positions (we need judges, doctors, teachers, policemen, bakers, fishermen...), 2 some of these roles are more important for society and harder to fill (special skills and/or more preparation) than others, 3 consequently, a reward system is needed to motivate the most qualified individuals to fill these important positions in society. Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 11 / 54 Theories on Social stratification Functional approach Emile´ Durkheim (1858 - 1917) (Division of Labor in Society, 1893) Foundations of functionalist approach Which is the role of specialization and division of labour in keeping individuals together forming a society? Individualism as a threat to social solidarity (Comte) ) Mutual dependence (Durkheim). Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 12 / 54 Theories on Social stratification Functional approach Kingsley Davis (1908-1997) and Wilbert E. Moore (1914-1987) (Some principles of stratification, 1944) 2 topics to be treated separately: ’System of social positions’ and ’how individuals get there’. Focus on first topic: I Determinants of positional rank (functional importance and scarcity of personnel) I Major societal functions (religion, government..) I Factors conditioning the stratification system (from stratum solidarity to society’s size). General conclusion: Social stratification is universal because it is beneficial for the operation of society. Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 13 / 54 Theories on Social stratification Functional approach Inconsistencies / Problems with the Functional Approach There are cases where rewarding level are not justified in terms of utility to society (speculators, famous sport players and artists). Evolution of stratification: Functionalists assume an equilibrium (situation is fair), but other approaches claim that inequality increases due to a self-reinforcing process ) conflict theories Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 14 / 54 Theories on Social stratification Conflict approach Conflict Theories Social stratification implies a division of resources that benefits some and harm others (negative vision). How does it lead to social conflict?: 1 Given a certain stratification of society, individuals and groups tend to exploit their social positions to get a larger amount of rewards. 2 This tendency is a self-reinforced process: The more reward they get, the larger the capability to use their position for their own profit. 3 The result? Society is much more stratified than necessary (from a functional viewpoint). This scenario leads to conflicts and compromises among social groups. Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 15 / 54 Theories on Social stratification Conflict approach Karl Marx (1818-1883) (Das Kapital, 1867-1894) Materialist View: It’s all about the property. Society divided into classes in function of the ownership. 2 classes in industrial societies: Bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and proletariat (workers). Bourgeois take advantage of their position and exploit proletarians. When they realize about this situation (class consciousness), proletarians will join against bourgeois. Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 16 / 54 Theories on Social stratification Conflict approach Inconsistencies / Problems with Marx Approach Why revolutions predicted by Marx had finally took place in agrarian scenarios (like Russia, China, Latin America) and industrial ones? Neither socialist countries presented class-less societies (different degrees of responsibility and power within the system). So, wealth is not the only factor to take into account ) Max Weber’s approach. Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 17 / 54 Theories on Social stratification Conflict approach Max Weber (1864-1920) Class (Marx) ) Socioeconomic status (Weber) 3 dimensions of socioeconomic status 1 Economic class 2 Prestige 3 Power These three dimensions are not always strongly correlated: Rulers (high power but not always high wealth), speculators (high wealth but low reputation). Revolution of Proletariat (Marx) ) Organized social change (structures of authority). Chair of Sociology, in particular of Modeling and Simulation http://www.soms.ethz.ch/ Chapter 6: Stratification and Social Structure Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing and Team Zurich April 15, 2008 18 / 54 Theories on Social stratification Anarchist approach Anarchism and Pluralism Anarchist approach: Stratification and inequalities are inescapable results of social organization ) Dismantle the State as the unique solution. Gaetano Mosca (1858-1941) answer to anarchists: 1 All