Theories of Social Stratification

Key Questions

1. What are different theories that explain why we have social stratification?
2. What are the main critiques of these theories?
3. Which theory do I think is most accurate right now?

NO STARTER DUE TO SHORTENED SCHEDULE

Lecture:  Social Stratification and Theories
See documents page for lecture slides.  If absent, get notes from a classmate.

Application of Theories
In your group, discuss:

1. Which of these theories do you think is dominant in the popular American narrative?  Explain.
2. Which of these theories do you think best explains class stratification in the US?  Why?
3. What questions do you have about social stratification?  Put them on the board!

A Touchy Subject
Finish the reading from yesterday- read carefully and annotate!

Fussell Coaching
As you finish, add your name to a coaching group on the board.  When you hit 4 or 5, gather your group and begin this process!

1. Summarize his main point in one sentence
2. Go paragraph by paragraph.  For each paragraph:
   1. What is the main point of this paragraph?
   2. How does this relate to previous paragraphs, OR to class concepts we’ve been discussing?
   3. Is there anything here you find confusing?  Discuss, and clarify your confusions!
3. ​Write two discussion questions, give them to Lori

Seminar Prewrite
For your seminar prewrite, choose one quote from this text that strikes you.  This could strike you as particularly insightful, invoke a strong emotional reaction, or be something that you dispute.  In your prewrite, write down the quote and then react to it.  Describe what you think the quote means, then discuss why you chose it, what it makes you think/feel, and how it connects to what we've been learning in class so far.

HOMEWORK:

1. Get sticky notes for annotating books.  DUE: Monday, 9/25, SOC
2. Seminar Prewrite.  See above for details.  DUE: Thursday, 9/21, SOC