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Social stratification and social mobility

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Consider the life story of Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft Corporation, to analyze the
issue of social stratification through the three theoretical perspectives. Mr. Gates was
born to a middle-class family. His mother was a school teacher and his father an
attorney. Mr. Gates is now one of the wealthiest men on the planet. Read his biography
at:

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/billg/bio.mspx

Using the "Bill Gates" discussion forum, respond to the following:

Explain how this ordinary, middle-class citizen moved to the top of the social
stratification system through the each of the sociological perspectives.
Determine why none of the theories support a concept of equal yet different social
stratification?
Include a discussion that would explain, through one or more of the sociological
perspectives how a person could experience just the opposite?moving from a person of
wealth and social notoriety to living in poverty.

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Solution Summary

This solution discusses the theories explaining social stratification and how social mobility is affected. The example of Bill Gates of Microsoft is used to explain some of the points. The text contains 269 words.

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This assignment requires three things: a) how Bill gates could move upwards in society; b) why none of the theories support a concept of equal but different stratification?, and; c) how a person can move from wealth into poverty.

The answer to the first question lies in the fact that none of the theories contend that individual social mobility can be restricted. Even Marx believed that individuals can rise up to spheres of ...

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