RCG ; Social Stratification & Episode of Veronica Mars (:

In our class on Monday, 2/1/10, we discussed social stratification. We talked about how rankings are based on a share of power, prestige, and property, which are considered to be the three variables in the social class system. The importance of studying social stratification is because it is a universal phenomenon, it can be the consequence of life, and it is a simple social structure, which means a cultures value, norms, and morals. India, South Africa, and the old south are examples of people who have used or still use the caste system. The caste system is when you are born into your "class" wether it is for the best or worst. The class system on the other hand is like the opposite. It consists of social rewards distributed according to perceived importance of position. The class system is a more opened system, allowing easier mobility. We talked about some theories such as Social Darwinism, Functional Theory of Stratification, Elite Theory, Contest and Sponsored Mobility. Social darwinism, was known by William G. Sumner, and pretty much stated "The Strong Will Survive." It also said, that society would not allow the weakest to die out, because they believed it would lead to social decay, which is very true. The Functional Theory of Stratification simply does not want our society to collapse, so they believe in helping one another. It states, people who may be more talented control the ideas and other things, but the ones who are not so talented help the ones in charge so everyone has something to do. The Elite Theory was created by Mosca and Pareto. This theory says, that society relies on small specialized groups to rule and provide order. The use 6 basic "sentiments" and "revenues", lions are the aggregates and the foxes are the combinations. The Contest and Sponsored Mobility Theory, known by Ralph H. Turner, says social ascent through schooling where members of a society can attain elite status through competition or sponsorship by a member of the elite group.

After our discussion about social stratification we watched an episode of Veronica Mars. It had a lot of Race/Class/Gender issues in just that one episode. It was mostly "Class" issues though and all about how high you are on the hierarchy in the town of Neptune. Veronica was in the upper class, however, then her dad lost her job and her mom abandoned them. Since, her dad lost his bigger income she pretty much got kicked out of the upper class click at school and in the town in general. However, the prestige of her father being good at what he does for a living still is noticed by the people of Neptune, therefore, people who may not treat them so well because of their social class ask them for help with their problems. Another thing in the episode was how gangs would pick on people or do bad things then help the people out that they once tried to hurt so they are very loyal after they see what they did was wrong or you try to help them out. Kind of like the saying "you scratch my back, I will scratch yours." I really liked how the gang stood up for Veronica and her friend when the rich preppy guys were vandalizing her car, because it kind of gave them a taste of their own medicine.