Stratification is a system that puts categories of people in a hierarchy. Social class is just one form of stratification. Stratification may lead to unequal access to resources, political rights and other benefits.

University of Connecticut

A social class is a group of individuals that share similar economic positions based on income, occupation wealth and education.

Social Class

Barian, A. et. al. (2020). A Sociology Experiment. https://www.sociologyexperiment.com/ 

A Sociology Experiment

Stratification

Dennis Gilbert's model of class structure relies on income, occupation, and education. 

- There are 6 social classes that are situated within 3 broad categories:
- Privileged classes
- Majority classes
- Lower classes

The Social Class Structure of the US

Ascribed is something that one is given to you at birth. Achieved is something that one must work for and gain later in life. 

- When you are born you automatically enter into the social class of your parents or guardians (ascribed)
- But when you become an adult you may achieve a different social class
- Advantages can help people get to a certain status: wealthy parents

Ascribed or Achieved?

- Upward Mobility
- Downward Mobility
- The American Dream

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