Social Class, Socioeconomic Status, and Stratification (10A) - MCAT Psychological and Social Foundations

Movement to a similar-status position (role change without class change). Same prestige level but different occupation or location.

Class is a broad group position; SES is a measured rank using key indicators. Class is categorical; SES provides numerical measurement.

Inability to meet basic needs for survival (food, shelter, clothing, health care). Lacks resources for physical survival regardless of society.

Poverty defined in comparison to societal standards and typical living conditions. Based on social context rather than survival needs.

Movement of individuals or groups within a social hierarchy. Can be upward, downward, or horizontal in direction.

Change in social position between parents and their children. Compares family generations across time periods.

Change in social position within an individual’s lifetime. Occurs during one person's career or life course.

Movement to a higher socioeconomic position. Improves class position through achievement or opportunity.

Movement to a lower socioeconomic position. Results from job loss, illness, or economic downturns.

Mobility caused by changes in the economy or society (not individual effort alone). Societal shifts create mobility beyond personal control.

A closed stratification system with little mobility and ascribed status. Birth determines lifelong position with rigid boundaries.

An open stratification system with possible mobility based on achieved status. Allows movement through education and effort.

A system where status is based primarily on individual ability and achievement. Rewards talent and effort rather than inherited privilege.

Resources gained through social networks, connections, and group membership. Who you know matters for accessing opportunities.

Nonfinancial assets (knowledge, tastes, skills) that promote social mobility. Education and refined tastes enable class advancement.

Structural functionalism (Davis–Moore thesis). Views inequality as necessary for societal functioning.

Conflict theory (Marxian perspective). Sees stratification as exploitation by dominant classes.

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups in society. Creates layers of inequality based on resources and power.

A system with restricted mobility based on ascribed status. Birth circumstances largely determine life outcomes.

A system with relatively high mobility based on achieved status. Merit and effort determine social position.

Upward or downward movement that changes social rank. Results in higher or lower social standing.

Marxist conflict theory. Views class struggle as the engine of social change.

A hierarchical arrangement of groups with unequal access to resources and power. Creates layers of inequality in society's structure.

A composite of social standing based on income, education, and occupation. Combines three key indicators to measure social position.

A group sharing similar status and power; broader than the SES composite. Encompasses lifestyle and culture beyond just economic measures.

Change in social position without major change in social rank. Like switching jobs at the same level or prestige.

Social class change within a single individual’s lifetime. Occurs when someone changes class during their own life.

Movement of individuals or groups between social strata. Can occur upward, downward, or horizontally in society.

Ascribed is assigned at birth; achieved is earned through choices and actions. Birth gives ascribed; effort creates achieved status.