Open Educational Resources
Document Type
Textbook
Publication Date
Summer 7-3-2025
Abstract
Abstract
This paper explores the intricate dynamics of class, stratification, and social inequality, emphasizing the interplay of wealth, power, and prestige in shaping individual opportunities and societal outcomes. Drawing on foundational theories from Marxist and functionalist perspectives, it examines the mechanisms by which economic and social structures reinforce or challenge class divisions. The analysis extends to the evolution of American economic disparity, particularly during the transformative 1980s, and examines policies aimed at addressing poverty, such as those articulated by Sar Levitan and the implementation of the Social Security Act. Through a nuanced discussion of cultural capital, the role of educational institutions, and the impact of welfare reform, the paper highlights the enduring challenges and debates surrounding social mobility and equity. Ultimately, it underscores the necessity of multidimensional approaches in understanding and addressing stratification, drawing connections between historical context, theoretical frameworks, and policy implications.
Included in
Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-Based Learning Commons, Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Educational Sociology Commons, Gerontology Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Other Sociology Commons, Place and Environment Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance Commons, Theory, Knowledge and Science Commons
