During Week 5, we studied social stratification
and how it influences what goes on in many social interactions among
people. After you have read the reading assignment and lecture for this
week, please respond to all parts of the discussion by Saturday,
December 20, 2014:
1. What are some of the factors that affect social mobility? Can these be overcome?
2. Do you believe the structural-functionalist or the social conflict approach best explains social stratification? Why?
3. How does the media reflect attitudes on gender as far as depicting
women and men in very traditional roles? Provide two detailed examples
that substantiate your points—these can be an advertisement, television
show, website, or magazine. When you think of various groups (race,
class, and gender) in society, which ones have the most power and which
ones have the least? Using Intersection Theory, identify two groups that
have unequal amounts of power and resources, being specific and using
the text and outside resources. For each group, has the power dynamic
changed over time? Do you think it will change in the future? Why or why
not?
Remember to respond to the posts of at least two other students in the class.
