video record
Media not available in the Digital Archive
Description
This programme gives an introductory explanation of forms of stratification in society. The programme begins by suggesting that all societies have some form of stratification whether this be caste,... estate class or status. It is argued that there are two extreme models of classification, an open systemand a closed system, but that all systems found in the real world are mixtures of these two. Three types of existing stratification are then examined: (a) the caste system in India; (b) class in rural England; (c) class in an industrial society. Various strata of society are recognised in each type and they are then examined for their rigidity and pervasiveness according to a number of criteria. The difficulties in this sort of analysis are stressed - in that some of the criteria used might be more important than others. It was also stressed that other theorists, particularly Marxists, might stress other criteria. However, the programme stresses that the measurement of social stratification is a multi-dimensional exercise. The programme consists of studio analysis, with film examples to highlight the characteristics of the three systems under study. The main speaker is Jeremy Tunstall, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the Open University. John Goldthorpe of Nuflield College, Oxford, is interviewed about his research on the affluent worker in an industrial society.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: D100, Understanding society: a foundation course
Item code: D100; 17
First transmission date: 09-05-1971
Published: 1971
Rights Statement: Rights owned or controlled by The Open University
Restrictions on use: This material can be used in accordance with The Open University conditions of use. A link to the conditions can be found at the bottom of all OUDA web pages.
Duration: 00:24:18
Note: VF3377 is a later version of this programme
+ Show more...
Producer: Francis Sealey
Contributors: John Goldthorpe; Jeremy Tunstall
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Social class
Master spool number: 6HT/70072
Production number: 6HT70072
Available to public: no