Delta State University
Sociology 101
Fall Semester 2003

Study Questions
Henslin Text, Chapter 7

 (1)  What is meant by social stratification?  Provide three examples of ways in which societies are stratified. 

(2)  What is the difference between ascribed and achieved status?  Explain the relationship between ascribed and/or achieved status and each of the following systems of stratification: 

• Slavery systems
• Class systems
• Caste systems

(3)  Compare the theories of stratification provided by Karl Marx and Max Weber.  What do the theories have in common, and how do they differ? 

(4)  What is meant by false consciousness?  How does this differ from class consciousness?  Provide an example that illustrates the difference between the two. 

(5)  According to the functionalist perspective elaborated by Davis and Moore, why do we observe stratification in all societies?  Do these authors provide a reasonable explanation?  Why or why not? 

(6)  According to the conflict perspective elaborated by Mosca, Marx, Mills, and others, why do we observe stratification in all societies?  Do these authors provide a reasonable argument?  Why or why not? 

(7)  Describe four strategies that elites use to maintain their privileged position.  How do these strategies differ by the type of authority in society? 

(8)  What roles do dependency and internal culture play in international stratification?  How are systems of global stratification perpetuated? 

(9)  How might a conflict theorist respond to Herbert J. Gans’ “No, Poverty Has Not Disappeared”?

(10)  On what basis does Hacker (“Money and the World We Want”) define the class structure in the United States?  What problems does this class structure produce? 

(11)  What role do schools play in producing or reproducing the class system in America?  Provide evidence from Kozol’s article (“Savage Inequalities”) to support your response.