Classism Study Guide Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is classism?

A belief that everyone is equal

An economic principle

Practices that assign differential value to people based on socioeconomic class (correct)

A cultural norm shared by all

What does economic capital refer to?

What you earn

What is social capital?

Who you know

What does cultural capital encompass?

What you know Signup and view all the answers

Define poverty.

Includes the long-term poor and those temporarily in poverty due to illness or job loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the class continuum?

The ranking of individuals or families by income, wealth, education, occupational status, or power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the poverty line?

The estimated minimum level of income needed to secure the necessities of life. Signup and view all the answers

What is class of origin?

The class you were born into. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are characteristics of the working class?

Involvement in manual labor Signup and view all the answers

What defines the middle class?

Incomes varying between $39,000 to $100,240 Signup and view all the answers

What defines the upper class?

Individuals and families who control inherited wealth. Signup and view all the answers

List three reasons for homelessness.

Poverty, lack of jobs, lack of affordable housing. Signup and view all the answers

What does SES stand for?

Socioeconomic Status Signup and view all the answers

How does education influence SES?

Higher family SES leads to greater chances of entering and completing college. Signup and view all the answers

What role does occupation play in SES?

Occupation generally determines income. Signup and view all the answers

How does income affect SES?

Income sets limits on lifestyle and consumption patterns. Signup and view all the answers

How does wealth play into the SES framework?

Wealth provides comfort, security, and power. Signup and view all the answers

Why do class divisions appear to be deepening?

Lower classes often lack access to healthcare and education. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the decline in manufacturing jobs have on blue-collar workers?

It leaves them jobless and unable to find work. Signup and view all the answers

How does John challenge stereotypes about poverty?

John is hardworking, educated, and not lazy. Signup and view all the answers

How are environmental threats related to poverty based on Ronald's story?

Environmental disasters impact those relying on natural resources for their livelihood. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classism Overview

Classism encompasses institutional, cultural, and individual practices that assign value based on socioeconomic status.
It contributes to systemic inequality, leaving basic human needs unmet across different economic classes.

Key Concepts of Class

Class represents relative social rank derived from income, wealth, education, and occupational status.
Economic capital refers to earnings, central to an individual's or family's financial situation.

Types of Capital

Social capital is built through relationships, networks, and group memberships that provide support and resources.
Cultural capital involves the knowledge, skills, and education that grant individuals higher societal status.

Poverty Insights

Poverty encompasses both long-term and temporary states caused by job loss or health issues.
The poverty line is the minimum income estimated necessary to maintain basic living conditions.

Class Identification

Class of origin refers to the socioeconomic class into which one is born.
The class continuum ranks individuals/families based on various socioeconomic factors and highlights the advantages at the top and disadvantages at the bottom.

Forms of Classism

Individual classism manifests personal biases or attitudes toward others based on class status, often resulting in condescension.
Institutional classism reflects how societal institutions may neglect or disadvantage lower-class communities (e.g., lack of grocery stores in low-income areas).
Cultural classism highlights societal norms that perpetuate stereotypes and ideologies surrounding social class.

Societal Class Characteristics

Working class typically involves manual labor with less job security and vulnerability to economic fluctuations.
Middle class features diverse occupations and incomes, generally comfortable yet possessing minimal wealth.
Upper class consists of those with inherited wealth or high-level professional roles, often enjoying significant educational advantages and net worth.

Factors Affecting Homelessness

Key contributors to homelessness include poverty, job scarcity, lack of affordable housing, domestic violence, and mental health issues.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

SES integrates occupation, education, and income to reflect economic status.
Higher SES is associated with better education, which in turn influences job prospects and income levels.

Reasons for SES Variance

Educational attainment significantly affects occupational outcome and potential income levels.
Occupation suggests a connection between education and authority; white-collar jobs often offer more income and stability than blue-collar roles.
Income shapes lifestyle and consumption patterns, reflecting financial health.
Wealth encompasses various assets such as savings and property, providing long-term security and comfort.
Power dynamics correlate directly with SES, influencing political participation and access to resources.

Class Employment Issues

The decline in manual labor jobs leaves blue-collar workers struggling to find suitable employment due to lack of transferable skills.

Understanding Class Position

Class awareness may stem from class of origin and both subjective perceptions (personal experiences) and objective indicators (financial metrics).

Personal Stories of Class and Poverty

Stories like James’ highlight that individuals in poverty often defy stereotypes, exemplifying hard work and resilience despite challenges.
Ronald’s shrimping business illustrates how environmental disasters disproportionately affect the economically vulnerable.

Class Perceptions in Society

Class distinctions seem to fade due to increased access to products and services, yet deeper disparities persist, especially in healthcare and life expectancy outcomes.
Economic barriers continue to affect lower-class individuals’ health and educational opportunities, exacerbating inequalities.

Media Reflections on Class

Experiences related to food stamps emphasize societal judgment toward those in need; navigating welfare systems can be complex and daunting.

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Description

Explore the critical concepts related to classism with this study guide flashcards. This resource covers important definitions, terms, and the implications of socioeconomic class distinctions. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of class dynamics and inequality.