Page 191 - Keys To Community College Success

KEY 6.6 Use a mind map to connect ideas visually.

Birth alone determines
Definition: social destiny
a system in which Caste System
society ranks
categories of people Examples: India and
in a hierarchy South Africa

SOCIAL
STRATIFICATION

Functions

Individual achievement
determines social destiny
Davis-Moore thesis
asserts that Class System
stratification
benefits society Schooling and skills
increase social mobility

The greater the importance
People hold of a position, the greater the This implies a meritocracy—
different jobs of a system of social stratification
varying importance rewards given to the people based on personal merit
doing it

Example: a surgeon earns more
than an auto mechanic

and circles, and connecting them to one another with lines. Key 6.6 shows a mind map
illustrating the sociological concept called stratification.
A mind map does not have to include circles and lines; it can take on a number of
different forms, such as a “jellyfish” (main idea at the top with examples dangling down
below) or a series of stairs with examples building to the idea at the top. Engage your
creativity to develop a shape that works for you. If a mind map is difficult to construct in
class, consider transforming your notes into a mind map format later when you review.

Charting Method
Sometimes instructors deliver information in such quanities and at such speeds that
taking detailed notes becomes nearly impossible. When there is a lot of material com-
ing at you very quickly, the charting method might prove useful, and can provide a
useful memorization tool. It is also excellent for information presented chronologically
or sequentially.
To create charting notes, look ahead in your syllabus to determine the topics of the
day’s lecture or contact your instructor. Then separate your paper into distinct col-
umns, such as definitions, important phrases, and key themes. As you listen to the
lecture, fill in the columns. Here is an example showing a section of a set of charting Listening and Note Taking
notes for a history class:

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