08-Social+Stratification

Social stratification: a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Ex.: The hospital deals with the hierarchy of the Cheifs - Doctors and Surgeons, and finally interns (and Janitor).

Social mobility: a change in postition within the social hierarchy. Ex.: After Dr. Kelso steps down from Sacred Heart, Dr. Cox is soon to take his place as Chief of Medicine.

Alienation: the experience of isolation and misery resulting from powerlessness Ex.: When JD discovers he may not have gotten the Chief of Residents job.

Absolute Poverty: a lack of resources that is life-threatening. Ex.: There are patients who must rely on the kindness of the doctors at Sacred Heart in order to receive treatment. Those that do are often so poor they cannot afford treatment, nor can they afford to let these life-threatening diseases and conditions continue without medical help.

Conspicuous Consumption: buying and using products because of the "statement" they make about social positions. Ex.: J.D.’s romantic rival for Dr. Elliot’s is Keith who uses money to impress her by buying her expensive gifts.

White-Collar Occupations: high-prestige jobs that involve mostly mental activity. Ex.: The reason doctor’s require must attend so much schooling is the skill needed to perform medical operations, but also be able to diagnose a patient’s set of symptoms and the correlating illness.