Social Structure and Stratification

Theories and Institutions

The macro paradigms: functionalism (Durkheim) sees society as interdependent parts; conflict theory (Marx) centers power and class struggle; symbolic interactionism (Mead, Goffman) works at the micro level of meaning-making. Institutions -- family, education, religion, government, economy, healthcare -- each serve manifest functions (intended, like education transmitting knowledge) and latent functions (unintended, like schools creating social networks); Merton also flagged latent dysfunctions, such as tracking reproducing inequality. Durkheim's anomie -- normlessness during rapid social change -- predicts deviance and suicide.

Stratification and Status

Stratification systems range from rigid caste (ascribed at birth, no mobility) to class (economic, some mobility) to idealized meritocracy. Ascribed status is involuntary; achieved status is earned; a master status (like "felon" or "patient") dominates how others perceive you.

SES and Mobility

Socioeconomic status combines income (a flow), wealth (a stock, far more unequally distributed), education (the strongest long-run predictor), and occupational prestige. Mobility can be intergenerational or intragenerational, vertical or horizontal, and structural when society itself shifts.

Key Takeaways

• Functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism: know each level and thinker
• Manifest vs. latent functions (Merton); anomie (Durkheim)
• Ascribed vs. achieved vs. master status
• Wealth is more unequal than income; education best predicts SES