Core Concepts: Social Stratification and Social Inequality

Purpose

This assignment is intended to assess your ability to:

• Compare and contrast the three types of stratification systems.
• Identify the three stratification systems.

Overview

Action Items

1. Discuss the following in a 2-page (500-word) paper:
   1. Compare and contrast the three types of stratification systems.
   2. Though caste and class characteristics are discussed as if they are dichotomous, the fact is that many cultures exhibit a mixture of caste and class attributes – that is, many cultures are open in some ways but also exhibit pressures that complicate movement within the social stratification system. Discuss how this mixture of class and caste attributes plays out in the United States.
   3. What is the status attainment process and what factors are the most important in that process in a more-nearly class system such as the United States?
   4. Do you believe social mobility – especially upward social mobility – is easier or harder now in the United States than for your parents or grand parents? Explain your answer.
2. Save your answers in a Word document.
3. Cite any sources, including assigned readings, according to APA citation guidelines.
4. Submit your assignment. Your work will automatically be checked by Turnitin. 
5. Review your Submission Details and access your Turnitin report. Revise your work as needed based on the feedback. 
6. By the due date indicated, re-submit the final version of your work. 

Grading Criteria

Read the assignment rubric to understand how your work will be assessed.