Crash Course: Social Class & Poverty in the US

Questions and Answers

What is a social class?

A group that's fairly similar in terms of income, education, power, and prestige in society.

What are the five social classes American society can be split into?

Upper class, upper middle class, average middle class, working class, and lower class.

What does the upper class consist of?

Essentially the capitalists in Marx's system, those who earn at least $250,000/year and control much of the country's wealth.

What are the sub classes that separate the upper class?

By and large, between old and new money. Signup and view all the answers

Who is classified as coming from 'old money'?

The upper-upper class includes those who derive their wealth from inheritance rather than work. Signup and view all the answers

Who is classified as the 'new money' upper class?

Those whose wealth came from work, such as Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three groups sociologists split the middle class into?

Upper middle class, average middle class, and lower middle class. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical income of the upper middle class?

Between $115,000 and $250,000 per year. Signup and view all the answers

How many of the upper middle class typically go to college?

About 2/3 of the adults here have college degrees. Signup and view all the answers

What jobs do the upper middle class tend to have?

Prestigious jobs like doctors, lawyers, and engineers. Signup and view all the answers

How does the upper middle class usually live?

They typically own homes in good school districts and afford luxuries. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical income of the average middle class?

Between $50,000 and $115,000. Signup and view all the answers

How many of the average middle class typically go to college?

About half of this group is college-educated. Signup and view all the answers

What jobs do the average middle class tend to have?

White collar jobs such as office workers, teachers, and middle managers. Signup and view all the answers

How does the average middle class tend to live?

Families in this group tend to own homes but may have cumbersome mortgages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the income of the lower middle class?

Between $25,000 to $50,000 a year. Signup and view all the answers

What is a blue-collar worker?

Those whose work is primarily based in manual labor, falling into the lower-middle class. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most defining feature of the lower middle class?

The jobs associated with it, primarily manual labor. Signup and view all the answers

Why are blue-collar jobs sensitive to how the economy is doing?

Because these jobs are tied to manufacturing and may be reduced during a recession. Signup and view all the answers

How does the average lower middle class typically live?

They are less likely to own their own homes and typically hold little to no wealth. Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered lower class?

Blue-collar workers at the bottom of the income distribution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the income of the lower class?

Less than $25,000. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A social class groups individuals with similar income, education, power, and prestige.
American society consists of five social classes: upper class, upper middle class, average middle class, working class, and lower class.

Upper Class

Comprises capitalists, earning at least $250,000 per year and controlling substantial wealth.
Possesses significant political and social influence.
Divided into old money (heritage wealth, with members often holding honorary roles) and new money (wealth from work, including notable figures like Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey).

Middle Class Segmentation

Sociologists categorize the middle class into upper middle class, average middle class, and lower middle class.

Upper Middle Class

Income ranges from $115,000 to $250,000 annually, representing about 15% of income earners.
Approximately two-thirds of adults hold college degrees, with many obtaining postgraduate education.
Common professions include prestigious roles like doctors, lawyers, and engineers.
Typically reside in desirable neighborhoods, affording luxuries such as travel and multiple vehicles, with considerable wealth from home equity and investments.

Average Middle Class

Income ranges from $50,000 to $115,000, accounting for around 35% of income earners.
About half of this group has college education, mostly from public universities.
Occupations often include white-collar jobs, like office workers, teachers, and middle management.
Families generally own homes, but often struggle with mortgage payments and savings.

Lower Middle Class

Income falls between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, making up about 30% of income earners.
Blue-collar workers primarily perform manual labor and are defined by jobs requiring no college education.
Occupations include factory work, construction, and maintenance, sensitive to economic fluctuations and recessions.

Lower Class

Comprised of blue-collar workers positioned at the lower end of the income spectrum.
Typically earn below $25,000 per year and hold minimal wealth, often living in unstable housing situations, with low economic security.

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Description

Explore key concepts surrounding social class and poverty in America with these flashcards. This quiz covers definitions and classifications vital to understanding the structure of American society. Perfect for students looking to grasp the complexities of social stratification.