Ideology and Stratification
Stratification is based on ideas.
These ideas reinforce the position of the upper levels in the stratification hierarchy.
Ideologies are persistent cultural patterns.
These ideas can change as people question cultural “truths.”
Notes:
What does the statement "stratification is based on ideas" mean? Recall that as members of
society we exist in the midst of a taken for granted culturally defined zeitgeist. Recall
that sociologists tend to question commonly held assumptions about society. Why do we assume
that intense stratification is a persistent structure in all societies? Can there be a society
without an ideological foundation for stratification?
Capitalism justifies the position of the wealthy with ideological beliefs. For example,
Social Darwinism in the 19th century exemplified one interpretation of reality that supported
the status quo by justifying the wealthy as an evolutionary step far above ordinary people in
Great Britain and particularly above the unworthy poor.