April 12, 1993

There are any number of stratification devices which are used to
make or break a stratification system.  Your assignment, if you
choose to take it, is to look for such devices in your personal
relationships, on the job, in your church, in your classes and in
the university and/or community and report your findings.

A.  Power devices:  

Economic.  THINGS TO LOOK FOR:
     Sometimes people are paid less money for the same job.  
     Sometimes small business people get together to fix prices.
     Some people may get cheap credit; others have to pay more.
     Some people may pay lower taxes for the same service.

Social power:  Social power is built into the social role one
     has.  In any bureaucracy, there are  Some people may be
     defined as 'nonpersons'.

     Some people may not be admitted to the place where decisions
     are made.

     Some people may be called for their opinion; others not.

Physical Power:  Some people may be able to use physical power
     to force compliance, others not. 

 Examples: parents, spouses,  police, men.

Moral Power:  Some people may use cherished social values to
     control others; examples, priests, nuns, ministers, imams,
     rabbis, elderly people...politicians, [yes, I said
     politicians]

B.   Status devices:  Look for privileges some have, others not.