This course overviews the major sociological approaches to the study of social stratification and inequality. We begin with an examination of the concepts of social stratification and social inequality, with an emphasis on the major dimensions of stratification including caste, class, gender, and ethnicity. The consequences of stratification on life chances and life style and on social mobility will be explored. The empirical relevance of these issues to the changing stratification system of Macao will also be addressed.

CILO-1: Acquire knowledge history of social stratification and inequality. CILO-2: Acquire key concepts and theories of social stratification and inequality. CILO-3: Compare local social stratification and inequality in a global perspective. CILO-4: Describe key dimensions of social stratification and inequality. CILO-5: Examine the extent and consequences of inequality in today’s Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao.