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This course contrasts functionalist theories of stratification that justify social inequalities and advocate meritocracy, with critical conflict theories that question the legitimacy of class, gender and race-based stratification. The main focus of the course is on the crucial role the political and economic forces play in polarization of social classes and redistribution of national wealth and resources in the United States. However, dynamics of social stratification in the developing countries and socialist societies will be studied as well. (Prerequisite: SO 122 - Offered alternate years).