Social Stratification

• Definition and types

• Ideology

• Marx and Weber

• Functionalist

• Conflict

• Technology influences stratification

• US Inequality

• Poverty

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A key concept in this chapter will be that of ideology. Ideology consists of cultural beliefs that directly or indirectly justify stratification; a set of beliefs that explains and justifies the status quo. An ideology is not just one or even two beliefs- it is rather an entire set of beliefs which are interrelated. Ideologies are often used by those in positions of power to both justify and explain their positions and the position of those below them. Ideologies foster false consciousness.