Social Mobility and Explaining Stratification

Please respond to one (1) of the following:

1. Social Mobility: Social mobility refers to our chances of moving up or down within the American class structure. In this week’s Strayer Story, Ron Finley emphasized that his urban gardening is not really about the food. Instead, he wants to show people that they can design their own life instead of accepting what has been designed for them.

• What do you think is the most important factor that leads to upward social mobility?
• How could Ron’s efforts help people’s chances of upward social mobility?
• What else did you learn from Ron’s story?

2. Explaining Stratification: Conflict theory says that stratification results from lack of opportunity and from discrimination and prejudice against the poor, women, and people of color. In this week’s Strayer Story, Ron Finley talked about discovering how his neighborhood differed from nearby wealthy areas when he was growing up.

• How would you explain Ron’s story from a conflict theory perspective?
• What else did you learn from Ron’s story?

Your response must address the discussion question and you must also comment on at least one other student’s post.

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