Question

What is social stratification? Is the U.S. society stratified? If it is, why would some people believe otherwise? If you believe it is not, explain why.

Poverty in the U.S:

Explain the viewpoint that the poor should take responsibility for poverty, and the one that holds society responsible for poverty. Which of these is closer to your view?

What is the difference between relative and absolute poverty? Does the U.S. have absolute poverty? How does the U.S. compare to other parts of the world?

Answer 1

Social stratification can be regarded as a type of differentiation in which individuals are grouped into various categories based upon their occupation, wealth, income, educational attainment, social networks, and derived power. I am in agreement with the view that the U.S. society is stratified. One can recognize a three-tier structure in the U.S. that includes the upper, middle, and lower classes. In fact, high-income earners are more likely to be substantially educated, have high-status occupations, and maintain powerful social networks. There are some who may oppose this view on the grounds that American society is meritocratic and class is achievement-based. Therefore, they may argue that is there no inherent social stratification as income is purely based on educational and career accomplishments.
Please post the other questions separately as we are supposed to answer just one question or four sub parts of the same question.