Natasha Oslinger
Assignment H
3-9-16
Assignment H:
Provide three examples of the operation of social class in the world today. How would you use these examples to demonstrate the existence of social class to someone who is not taking this class and is not familiar with the concept of social stratification?
Example One: Cast Systems
In society, a caste system is a system built on social stratification being based on birth. In a caste system, once entire life and status are determined by ascription. A system such as this allows little social mobility, or the ability to change social position, and people live their lives in following the standards that are assigned to them. This is a good example of the operation of social class in the world today is because it is currently, although massively outdated, in use in many third world countries. For example, the “untouchables” are a group of individuals in India that because of their position at birth, are considered less than human.
Example Two: Class Systems
In a class system, social stratification is based on both birth, and that which they achieve through their life. This system is far more open that caste systems, and does allow for social mobility. Because of this, class lines become blurred as opposed to the rigid distinctions in caste systems. I could use this an example of the existence of social class because it explains and defines one of the largest social systems in the world. The United States is a good example of a class system because it allows people with certain skill sets to rise to the top even if their birth place opposes class rank.
Example Three: Meritocracy
Meritocracy is social stratification based on personal merit. Meritocratic societies base social class on the abilities, knowledge, and talent of its people, such a system would expand equality greatly. I can use this as a good example of the existence of social class because it is the opposite extreme of a caste system, and shows the positive and negative effects of free flowing social mobility. A society with pure meritocracy has not existed considering such a society would have social class blurred to such an extent, it would not exist. Social mobility to this extent would pull societies apart.
I could use these examples to demonstrate the existence of social class to someone that is not familiar with the concept of social stratification by using examples such as the US and India and compare and contrast their social systems to the way people view each other. Even if someone is not familiar with the concept of social stratification, class is easy to see in all societies, and class systems such as these can help to explain the severity of going to either extreme with social mobility.
Assignment H
3-9-16
Assignment H:
Provide three examples of the operation of social class in the world today. How would you use these examples to demonstrate the existence of social class to someone who is not taking this class and is not familiar with the concept of social stratification?
Example One: Cast Systems
In society, a caste system is a system built on social stratification being based on birth. In a caste system, once entire life and status are determined by ascription. A system such as this allows little social mobility, or the ability to change social position, and people live their lives in following the standards that are assigned to them. This is a good example of the operation of social class in the world today is because it is currently, although massively outdated, in use in many third world countries. For example, the “untouchables” are a group of individuals in India that because of their position at birth, are considered less than human.
Example Two: Class Systems
In a class system, social stratification is based on both birth, and that which they achieve through their life. This system is far more open that caste systems, and does allow for social mobility. Because of this, class lines become blurred as opposed to the rigid distinctions in caste systems. I could use this an example of the existence of social class because it explains and defines one of the largest social systems in the world. The United States is a good example of a class system because it allows people with certain skill sets to rise to the top even if their birth place opposes class rank.
Example Three: Meritocracy
Meritocracy is social stratification based on personal merit. Meritocratic societies base social class on the abilities, knowledge, and talent of its people, such a system would expand equality greatly. I can use this as a good example of the existence of social class because it is the opposite extreme of a caste system, and shows the positive and negative effects of free flowing social mobility. A society with pure meritocracy has not existed considering such a society would have social class blurred to such an extent, it would not exist. Social mobility to this extent would pull societies apart.
I could use these examples to demonstrate the existence of social class to someone that is not familiar with the concept of social stratification by using examples such as the US and India and compare and contrast their social systems to the way people view each other. Even if someone is not familiar with the concept of social stratification, class is easy to see in all societies, and class systems such as these can help to explain the severity of going to either extreme with social mobility.