Question

Sociologists often point out that systems of stratification in the United States systematically favor white men. Sometimes people contest this, pointing to wealthy and powerful black women like Oprah Winfrey or Toni Morrison. A valid counterpoint to this argument is that:

A) black women are often the exception to this tendency.B) Winfrey and Morrison have higher social statuses because of other markers of class that they inherited, such as regional accents.C) stratification is a characteristic of a society rather than a reflection of individual differences.D) Winfrey and Morrison must have inherited a high social status from their parents.

Answer 1

Answer:

C) Stratification is a characteristic of a society rather than a reflection of individual differences.

Explanation:

Social stratification refers to the way people are ordered and ranked in a society. It occurs mainly as a result of the socioeconomic status , and it determines the group which is most likely to gain access to privilege and socioeconomic financial resources.

Sociologists distinguish four types of social stratification- estate, slavery, social class, caste and status. In industrial societies there are  both social class and group.