Sociologists often point out that systems of stratification in the United States systematically favor white men. Sometimes people contest this, pointing to wealthy and powerful black women like Oprah Winfrey or Toni Morrison. A valid counterpoint to this argument is that:
A) black women are often the exception to this tendency.
B) Winfrey and Morrison have higher social status because of other markers of class that they inherited, like regional accents.
C) stratification is a characteristic of a society rather than a reflection of individual differences.
D) systems of stratification have almost entirely disappeared in the past decade.
E) women like these must have inherited a high social status from their parents.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that there are exceptions to the trend of stratification favoring white men does not negate the existence and impact of systemic inequality. Additionally, Winfrey and Morrison's success can be attributed to factors beyond their race or gender, such as their talent, hard work, and access to education and resources. Stratification is a societal structure that affects groups of people, not just individuals, and cannot be reduced to individual differences or exceptions.

Sociologists Often Point Out That Systems of Stratification in the United