1. In The Practical Skeptic three major forms of stratification are described: Caste, Estate and Class. (a) Briefly describe the legitimating rationales that bolster each of these stratification systems. (b) Then, discuss the ways in which legitimating rationales in general work to prevent changes in the social stratification system.

2. Some social scientists believe that a slave system is essentially the same as a caste system (and that slaves are simply outcastes). However, the Harvard historian Orlando Patterson argued that there are significant differences between slaves and outcastes. According to Patterson, how are slaves different from outcastes?

3. List at least five of the statuses that you occupy. Indicate whether each status is achieved or ascribed. Explain how you distinguish between ascribed and achieved statuses.