Global stratification is the unequal distribution of wealth, status, power, and economic stability among countries. This lesson introduces the concept and explains how contact between societies and industrialization helped shape today’s global inequalities.
Global stratification refers to worldwide patterns of social inequality. Sociologists compare countries’ economic resources and stability, as well as the quality of life available to their populations. Common areas of comparison include income, purchasing power, wealth, and access to resources.
All flashcards
Global stratification
Worldwide patterns of inequality among countries in wealth, status, power, and economic stability.
Gross domestic product (GDP)
The value of economic activity produced within a country's borders during a particular period.
Gross national product (GNP)
The value of goods and services produced by a nation's citizens, at home and abroad.
Purchasing power parity (PPP)
An adjustment that accounts for differences in the amount money can buy across countries.
Why are “first world,” “second world,” and “third world” labels outdated?
They group countries with widely differing levels of wealth, power, prestige, and economic stability.
Quiz questions
What does global stratification compare?Answer: Patterns of inequality among countries, including differences in wealth, power, and stability.
How did growing exploration and travel affect relationships between societies?Answer: They expanded trade and the exchange of ideas and customs.
How did uneven industrialization contribute to global inequality?Answer: Industrializing countries accumulated wealth as many others fell behind economically.
What does gross domestic product (GDP) measure?Answer: Economic activity occurring within a country's borders during a given period.
Why can older “first world,” “second world,” and “third world” categories be misleading?Answer: Each category can group countries with substantially different economic circumstances.
Based on Introduction to Sociology 3e by Tonja R. Conerly, Kathleen Holmes, Asha Lal Tamang (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.