Sociology

Analyzing Titanic

Jennene Bullock

Sociology

December 15, 2011

Instructor Farr

Analyzing Titanic

Social stratification is defined as a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy, is based on four important principles. The four principles are trait, generation to generation which extends to “social mobility”, universal but variable and not just inequality but beliefs.” (Marconis, page 209, para. 1) In this paper I will analyze the movie Titanic and will show and bring out those principles of social stratification and how even though it was set in the 1900’s that those same principles and theories go on even in the present time. Prejudice is a big one in society and goes along with the four principles above and still is prevalent even in today’s society. It’s how we were taught at home with our parents, how we’re educated and our own personal beliefs.

The movie Titanic was set back in April of 1912 and the times were tough in England for the poorer class, for the elite class it was a vacation of sorts. The poorer classes were traveling to America in hopes of a better life, the characters Jack and Rose were on this ship destined to meet both from different classes and social backgrounds. Rose was from a very poor background but yet her mother made sure she grew up with class and manners and that no one ever knew they were not poor. She dressed, acted and pulled off the part very well, most people that do have money are like that and those that wish they did try. I find this interesting because as you will see in the coming paragraphs having money doesn’t always secure you a spot in the elite society. Class is also based on one of the principles I mentioned above and that’s when it’s past down from generation to generation it’s in yourself to be the way your parents taught you to act down walking and talking. Jack was very poor and broke, did not have a cent to his name and conned and played poker to get a...