Introducing Social Stratification and Inequality: An Active Learning Technique

TEACHING INDIVIDUAL TOPICS in meaningful ways in introductory courses can be challenging. Because most areas of sociology are covered in a one-week period, instructors must quickly communicate the content of the area while attempting to spark some interest, or at least provide a meaningful experience that will affect the way students view the social world. Social stratification contains crucial concepts for students to apply to many areas of social life. When stratification is taught well, the concepts can be applied throughout the course, enhancing and integrating all of the material. However, social stratification may appear somewhat dry when presented in condensed form. Many authors have articulated the difficulties of communicating the realities of social stratification to students. Bohmer and Briggs (1991) write: