Global Stratification Assignment Guide

Stratification is like a ladder.  We see lower rungs and higher rungs.  To get up the ladder one often climbs on the lower to get the higher.  Make sense?   In a nutshell, stratification is the tiers of our society (think about socioeconomic standing, the class system etc.).

Take a moment and look through your closet.  Read the labels on your clothes…where are they from? It’s more than likely that the bulk of your clothes come from a developing country.  Why does this matter?  Sociologist are often polarized in their opinions of buying items made in less developed countries.  On one hand, buy buying these items we are creating more revenue for individuals in the developing world.  On the other hand, we’re buy purchasing these items we’re also supporting poor working conditions and low wages.  As you answer this week’s question, think hard about the role we each may play in stratification and consider what is like for those that work in the Maquiladoras (Mexican factories).  What can we do to eliminate the culture of poverty?  If you haven’t seen it yet, try to look up “Maquilaopolis” on YouTube.  It’s an excellent documentary on the women that work in the Maquiladoras.(Image courtesy of Surachai/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

For your discussion, try the following check list:

I. First Point: What role do you play in global stratification?  Think about where the bulk of your items come from. 

II. Second Point: Explore what it’s like to work in the Maquiladoras.  Reflect on how we, in the US, might add to these problems. This would be a good place to include the perspectives (Symbolic Interactionism, Functionalism and Conflict Theory).

III. Third Point: What is the culture of poverty?  What can be done to eliminate it/help stop it?

IV. Replies:  Include two substantive replies.  Remember, these are more than “I agree.  Nice job. You explained it well”.  You’ll want to move the conversation forward.  Example: “Nice work Mary.  You made some excellent points about the time we spend on social networking.  How might you apply Functionalism to this for someone with social anxiety issues?” .

Using the Perspectives:

Applying the three perspectives can be easy.  Try to view the problem from each perspective by asking the sort of questions a theorist would ask if they were a functionalist, conflict theorist, or symbolic interactionist. In this assignment, you could ask:

1.     What is the function of the Maquiladoras? What role do these provide for those that work within them? (Functionalism)

2.     How is stratification seen in the power dynamic between more developed and less developed countries? How do we contribute to the culture of poverty? (Conflict Theory)

3.     What does status mean to us? What is social status and how does it affect our lives? (Symbolic Interactionism)

What images come to mind when you hear the term “gangs”?  Many of us think of criminal action, violent activity, and deviance.  That said, there is also the aspect of survival.  Some individuals join gangs to fulfill a variety of functions.  From creating a family unit to providing some financial security gangs can serve a purpose for some.  Now, we know that deck is stacked against those that join these and that gang activity is in no way commendable –but- for some it’s their way of life. As you address this week’s discussion, think about the functions that a gang can fulfill for its members.

Next, take into account how you might stop gang violence if you were an urban planner (i.e., if you were hired to create a plan to clean up the city etc.). We talked earlier about the needs that a gang can fulfill….how might you find new ways to meet these needs?  Finally, consider mainstream norms.  Norms are the standards that we see as culturally acceptable.  How might we help youth to subscribe to these norms instead of the norms established with the gangs?

For your paper, try the following outline:

I. First Paragraph:  Introduction Paragraph (Define what gangs are. Give an overview of what you’ll talk about in your paper)

II. Second Paragraph: Explore the functions that a gang can fulfill. This would be a good place to include the perspectives (Symbolic Interactionism, Functionalism and Conflict Theory).

III. Third Paragraph: Pretend you are an urban planner in charge of stopping gang activity.  What would you do to draw youth away from gangs?  How would you meet the needs that the gang filled for them?

IV: Fourth Paragraph: What are social norms and how could we lead at risk toward mainstream norms?

V. Conclusion:  Summarize your thoughts.

(Remember to expand these out to meet the length requirements)

Using the Perspectives:

Applying the three perspectives can be easy.  Try to view the problem from each perspective by asking the sort of questions a theorist would ask if they were a functionalist, conflict theorist, or symbolic interactionist. In this assignment, you could ask:

1.     What is the function of gangs? What role can they fill in member’s lives? (Functionalism)

2.     What conflicts arise over gangs? How can socioeconomic conditions be a factor in gang allegiance? (Conflict Theory)

3.     What do gangs mean to us? Think about the symbols, colors, and pageantry involved in gangs. What do these symbols and relationships mean? (Symbolic Interactionism)

If you need some help on the perspectives, try this link: If you need some help on the perspectives, try this link: http://www.mysociologist.com/sociology-101/deviance-and-social-control/ (If it doesn’t open, visit: www.MySociologist.com and click on the Social Problems tab)

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