Open class system
Encyclopedia
An open class system is the stratification that facilitates social mobility
, with individual achievement and personal merit determining social rank. The hierarchical social status
of a person is achieved through their effort. Any status that is based on family background, ethnicity, gender
, and religion
, which is also known as ascribed status
, becomes less important. There is no distinct line between the classes and there would be more positions within that status. Core industrial nations seem to have more of an ideal open class system.
Social mobility
Social mobility refers to the movement of people in a population from one social class or economic level to another. It typically refers to vertical mobility -- movement of individuals or groups up from one socio-economic level to another, often by changing jobs or marrying; but can also refer to...
, with individual achievement and personal merit determining social rank. The hierarchical social status
Social status
In sociology or anthropology, social status is the honor or prestige attached to one's position in society . It may also refer to a rank or position that one holds in a group, for example son or daughter, playmate, pupil, etc....
of a person is achieved through their effort. Any status that is based on family background, ethnicity, gender
Gender
Gender is a range of characteristics used to distinguish between males and females, particularly in the cases of men and women and the masculine and feminine attributes assigned to them. Depending on the context, the discriminating characteristics vary from sex to social role to gender identity...
, and religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
, which is also known as ascribed status
Ascribed status
Ascribed status is the social status a person is assigned at birth or assumed involuntarily later in life. It is a position that is neither earned nor chosen but assigned...
, becomes less important. There is no distinct line between the classes and there would be more positions within that status. Core industrial nations seem to have more of an ideal open class system.
Citation
- Windows on Humanity by Conrad Phillip KOTTAK. Chapter 17, page 398.
- Sociology and You by Shepard and Greene McGraw Hill.A-26