This chapter will help you do the following:

1. Describe what social stratification means for individuals and groups.

2. Compare key theoretical perspectives on stratification.

3. Explain how achieved and ascribed characteristics impact individuals’ life chances.

4. Explain what affects your chances for social mobility.

5. Compare pluralist and power elite perspectives on stratification.

6. Discuss inequality and poverty from a sociological perspective.

7. Illustrate how the digital divide helps stratify people.