Deck 10: E: Social Stratification

Question 1

Compare and contrast Canada,Europe and the United States in terms of work ethic,leisure,taxes,and lifestyle in general.

Answer 1

no answer

Question 2

What is meritocracy? Why do caste systems have little of it? Why do class systems have more? Illustrate how class systems combine caste and meritocracy with reference to the United Kingdom or Japan.

Answer 2

no answer

Question 3

Explain the differences in the approach to social stratification of Karl Marx and Max Weber.How did each envision stratification? Why is Weber's approach more complex? Which approach do you think better represents social inequality in the United States? Why?

Answer 3

no answer

Question 4

What are the basic arguments of the "bell curve" thesis? To the extent that this thesis is true,what should we conclude about social inequality in the United States? What are several criticisms of the thesis?

Question 5

Summarize the Davis-Moore thesis.Specifically,what are the functional consequences of inequality for society as a whole? Illustrate the thesis by pointing out various jobs and the relative rewards each job commands.Conclude by noting several criticisms of the Davis-Moore thesis.

Question 6

Briefly describe the main characteristics of caste systems and class systems.How are these types linked to different systems of economic production (agrarian versus industrial technology)? What part does meritocracy play in each type of stratification? How does each type of stratification justify inequality?