Examples of social stratification and inequalities
Watch 30–60 minutes of a production from current media that illustrates examples of social stratification and inequalities, such as a recent sitcom, drama, movie, or document. Write a paper in which you discuss the show or film as it relates to race, gender, and social class stratification. Do the following:
Describe the show or film you selected, including a brief summary of the plot and setting of the story.
Describe at least 2 examples of social inequalities that you observed. Which social structures or norms could have contributed to these inequalities?
Explain the theoretical perspective—functionalism, conflict theory, or symbolic interactionism—that you used to explain the social inequalities. Explain your reasons for choosing this perspective.
Describe the connections between the social stratification of class, race, and gender you observed in the show or film and the ways that it represents inequality in our society.
Sample Solution
Social stratification refers to differential access to resources, power, autonomy, and status across social groups. Social stratification implies social inequality; if some groups have access to more resources than others, the distribution of those resources is inherently unequal. Societies can be stratified on any number of dimensions. In the United States, the most widely recognized stratification systems are based on race, social class, and gender. The film The Pursuit of Happyness offers examples of the theoretical explanations of social stratification and inequality that are factors in Chris`s journey to achieve his goal of providing a better life for his family.
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