American Class Structure Chapter 1

Questions and Answers

What period is referred to as the Age of Growing Inequality?

End of World War II to early 1970's

Mid-1970's onward (correct)

1980 to 1990

1910 to 1940

What defines the Age of Shared Prosperity?

The years from the end of World War II to the early 1970's when incomes at all levels grew and inequalities were declining.

What does 'association' refer to in social terms?

Patterns of interpersonal contact, such as leisure activities, friendship, and marriage among members of the same class.

What is the bourgeoisie?

The class that owns the means of production and controls the superstructure in a capitalist society. Signup and view all the answers

What is capital defined as?

Funds, goods, machinery, land, and other investments in an enterprise. Signup and view all the answers

How is capitalism defined?

An economic system based on private ownership of business, controlled by markets. Signup and view all the answers

Who is part of the capitalist class according to the Gilbert-Kahl model?

A very small top class composed of people whose income is mostly from return on assets. Signup and view all the answers

What is class consciousness?

The recognition by members of a class of their common identity and shared interests. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a family in studies of income?

Two or more related individuals residing together. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Gilbert-Kahl model of the class structure?

A model of the American class structure based on economic distinctions, rather than prestige. Signup and view all the answers

What is a household?

A domestic unit consisting of families, individuals residing alone, or unrelated persons living together. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marx define ideology?

The dominant ideas of society that justify the status quo, including privileges and power of the ruling class. Signup and view all the answers

What are life chances?

Aspects of an individual's future possibilities shaped by class membership. Signup and view all the answers

What does lifestyle refer to according to Weber?

Distinctive patterns of social interaction, leisure, and consumption associated with a social group. Signup and view all the answers

What are means of production in Marxist terms?

The implements and physical structures necessary for production, such as land, machines, and factories. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Age of Growing Inequality

Began in the mid-1970s, marked by rising inequality in wages, income, and wealth.
Contrasts with the earlier Age of Shared Prosperity, where economic equality was more prevalent.

Age of Shared Prosperity

Spanned from the end of World War II to the early 1970s.
Characterized by robust income growth across all levels and decreasing economic and social inequalities.

Association

Refers to patterns of social interaction, including leisure activities and friendships, primarily among individuals of the same class.
Results in the formation of class subcultures with shared values and lifestyles.

Bourgeoisie

Term used by Marx for the class owning the means of production and controlling society's superstructure within a capitalist framework.

Capital

Encompasses funds, goods, land, and machinery invested in a business.
Bourdieu identifies three forms of capital:
- Economic Capital: monetary assets and property rights.
- Cultural Capital: knowledge and educational credentials, including social manners and skills.
- Social Capital: networks of mutual obligations like kinship and friendship.

Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private business ownership and market-based trade of capital, labor, goods, and services.

Capitalist Class

In the Gilbert-Kahl model, represents a small elite whose income primarily comes from returns on capital assets, equated with Marx's bourgeoisie.

Class Consciousness

Awareness among class members of their shared identity and interests, viewed by Marx as a precursor to class conflict.
Modern analysis focuses on its influence on political opinions and labor advocacy.

Family

Defined as two or more related individuals living together, representing the most common household type in income studies.

Gilbert-Kahl Model of the Class Structure

A framework categorizing the American class system based on economic factors and sources of income, consisting of six classes: capitalist class, upper-middle class, middle class, working class, working poor, and underclass.

Household

Refers to a domestic unit, including families, individuals living alone, and unrelated persons cohabiting.

Ideology

Concept by Marx denoting the dominant ideas justifying societal structures and the ruling class's privileges.
Embedded in various societal institutions such as religion, family, and education.

Life Chances

Concept introduced by Max Weber, emphasizing how class membership influences future opportunities, from nutrition in infancy to adult career success.

Lifestyle

Defined by Weber as unique social interaction patterns and consumption behaviors associated with a social group or status group.

Means of Production

In Marx's theory, represents the physical means necessary for production, including land, machinery, and factories.

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Explore key definitions from Chapter 1 of 'The American Class Structure in an Age of Growing Inequality.' This flashcard quiz focuses on important terms and concepts that characterize the evolving landscape of social and economic inequality from the mid-1970s onward.