Ssci 316 Study Guide Answers Essay - 978 Words

study guide, chapter 1 1. Which is more problematic: acknowledging differences in groups or assigning a hierarchy to different groups? Assigning a hierarchy to different groups is more problematic. For example if our society were to simply note that different groups are different, without an overt or implied status hierarchy, the issues of inequality would not be as important as they are today 2. Are race and ethnicity the only types of inequality in the US today? diversity in US today is not limited to ethnicity, race – other factors: social class (SES or socio-economic status), education, size of group, religion, language As defined in this class what do the terms ‘majority’ and ‘minority’ refer to? (understand that a primary†¦show more content†¦(society determines what the groups are, where the boundaries are, what the hierarchies are) - therefore the consequences are social - consequences: where to live, education, employment, etc. — impact: exposure to pollution, available diet (nutritious or not), neighborhood safety 8. What does ‘markers’ of group membership refer to? How are they important? traits above - set boundaries of who is or who is not part of which groups ‘markers’ of group membership - these visible signs allow quick and easy identification - and differential treatment - these traits / characteristics themselves not significant - become significant through social construction process What is stratification? stratification - unequal distribution of valued goods, services stratification is basic to almost all human societies What did Marx mean by ‘means of production?’ How did Marx feel about the economy? What were the 2 classes that Marx described? ‘means of production’ important to understanding inequality means of production (materials, tools, resources, organizations a society uses to produce, distribute (usually unequally) goods services) Did Weber agree totally with Marx? What did Weber add to our understanding of stratification? felt that Marxs view of inequality (primarily economics) was too narrow - need to also consider economic position (socio-economic status - SES), prestige,