W12.2 JuYoung Lee(이주영)
1-SUMMARY)
Social strata refer to distinct groups of people within a society. Factors such as social honor, occupation, income, and public recognition contribute to the formation of this hierarchical structure, and these strata can be used as tools to understand social structures. These strata greatly influence individuals' consciousness, lifestyles, and ideologies. Social stratification refers to a society that classifies people into groups based on socio-economic factors like wealth, income, and occupation. In modern society, it is commonly defined by three classes: upper class, middle class, and lower class. There is debate over where social stratification first emerged. Social stratification follows four principles:
- Social stratification is defined by society rather than by individuals.
- 2.Social stratification is reproduced across generations.
- Social stratification is universal but variable.
- Social stratification includes qualitative beliefs and attitudes about social status as well as quantitative inequality.
Most anthropologists often dispute the universal nature of social stratification, arguing that it is not the standard for all societies.
2-INTERESTING)
I found it interesting that sociologists recognize there are no "pure" economic variables when considering social factors essential to economic value. This demonstrates that economic and social factors are closely interconnected, making it difficult to explain social stratification solely with economic indicators.
It was also intriguing that age can be an absolute factor causing low income in terms of social status and stratification, while simultaneously having an intervening effect on employment and income due to social perceptions and age discrimination. This illustrates well that social variables do not simply operate independently but are intricately intertwined.
3-QUESTION)
In this discussion, we explored the influence of social variables such as gender, race, and age on social stratification. Do you believe one of these variables has a greater impact than the others? If so, why, and how can this be addressed?
In discussions of social stratification, race can be seen as having a particularly profound impact due to its deep-rooted and systemic influence on societal structures. Historical and ongoing racial disparities affect access to education, employment, healthcare, and justice, perpetuating disadvantages across generations. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive policy reforms, such as enforcing anti-discrimination laws and promoting affirmative action. Additionally, fostering inclusive dialogues about race and increasing diverse representation in leadership are crucial. While gender and age also significantly impact social stratification, the systemic nature of racial inequality often demands targeted approaches to reduce disparities and promote equity.
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