Transcript Class & Caste (Inequalities)

Chapter 13
Social Stratification in
Contemporary Societies: Class,
Caste and Race
Chapter Questions & key points
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How do anthropologists explain social
stratification?
What are some differences among class-,
caste- , and racially stratified societies?
Degree to which individuals have equal
access to wealth, power & prestige.
Basis:
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Physical appearance, ethnicity, profession, family
background, gender, ideology, age or skill in
economic/political roles.
Chapter Questions
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What are some characteristics of the social
stratification system in the United States, and
how does it affect the lives and lifestyles of
individuals and groups?
How has anthropology contributed to
antiracism in the United States?
What are some similarities and differences
between the racial stratification systems of
Brazil and the United States?
Dimensions of Social
Inequality (stratification)
Power—control resources in one’s own
interest.
 Wealth—accumulation of material
resources or access to production.
 Prestige—social honor or respect.
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Status & Types of Societies
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Ascribed Status
Achieved Status
Types of societies:
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Egalitarian
Rank societies
Stratified
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Class
Caste
Social Class in the United
States
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Status depends on occupation, education,
and lifestyle.
“The American Dream,” democratic principle
of equality and opportunity for all.
Social class in the United States.
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Homeless people
Welfare recipients
Money “whitens”
Caste System
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System of stratification based on
birth.
Movement from one caste to another
is not possible.
Castes are hereditary, endogamous,
ranked in relation to one another and
usually associated with a traditional
occupation.
Hindu Caste System
Four caste categories
1. Brahmins - priests and scholars
2. Kshatriyas - ruling and warrior caste
3. Vaisyas - the merchants
4. Shudras - menial workers and artisans
5. Harijans – “untouchables”
U.S. Racial Stratification
Systems
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Race- social construction & biological
fallacy.
Divides people into “blacks” and
“whites”
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Theories of stratification
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Social inequality- a human universal?
Rule of Hypo descent.
“Melting pot” & Anglo Conformity
Separatism or Pluralism (Multiculturalism)
By year 2050- 53% Latinos
Immigration issues
Race Stratification in the U.S.
and Brazil
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Two largest multiracial societies in the
Americas.
Legacy of slavery =racial inequality.
Brazil: 45% of nonwhite families and 25% of
white families live below the poverty line.
U.S.: 30% of nonwhite families and 8% of
white families live below the poverty line.