Patterns of Social Stratification
Open and Closed Systems
Dimensions of Stratification

The American Class System
Is There Inequality in American Society?
Identifying Social Classes
The Significance of Social Classes
Poverty in the United States

Social Mobility
Forms of Social Mobility
Social Mobility and Status Attainment
What Is Happening to the American Dream?

Explanations of Social Stratification
The Functionalist Theory of Stratification
The Conflict Theory of Stratification
A Synthesis of Perspectives
Box 6.1 Sociology around the World: Is Race the Basis for an American Caste System?
Box 6.2 Doing Social Research: Income Inequality within Societies: A Look around the World
Box 6.3 Social Inequalities: Why Do Doctors Deliver Babies?