Final answer:
The belief in equality and downplaying individual achievement is associated with egalitarianism. While American society values the idea of equal opportunity, social stratification often influences actual outcomes. Sociologists study these patterns to understand the role of societal structures in these inequalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief that individuals should be considered equal and that individual achievement should be downplayed aligns with the concept of egalitarianism. This idea has been part of various societies for centuries and essentially promotes the notion that all people should have the same rights and opportunities. While individualism places emphasis on personal achievement and autonomy, collectivism focuses on group goals and the greater good, and social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement and classification of individuals within society, often based on wealth, power, and social status.
In American society, the ideal of equal opportunity is often proclaimed, yet the reality is affected by social stratification. Stratification systems can either be closed, such as caste systems based on ascribed status, or open class systems where achievement plays a role in social position. However, even in societies that proclaim to be meritocracies, systemic factors such as capitalism, racism, and sexism can contribute to persistent inequalities.
Sociologists recognize that social stratification makes inequalities apparent, which are not just about individual choices, but are rooted in a broader societal structure. It is important to study and understand these patterns to see how collective beliefs and cultural values shape the experiences and ideologies surrounding equality and success.