Questions and Answers
What does income describe?
A person who is unemployed but owns a large amount of land has _____ wealth and _____ income.
much; little
What are the dominant members of society known as?
the power elite
What two classes exist in Marx's model of social class?
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Theo is most likely a member of which class after attending the best private schools and earning a business degree?
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What two social classes are less distinct from each other than any other social classes?
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What can greater stresses lead to for the poor?
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Aaron is a member of the _____ class.
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Individuals from lower status classes are more likely to be _____ than individuals from upper status classes.
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What type of mobility did Markus experience after dropping out of college and working at a fast-food restaurant?
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When large numbers of people move up or down the social ladder but the proportions of the population in each class do not change, it is called _____ mobility.
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Which statement describes the trend in intergenerational mobility?
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Why is the poverty line not an accurate measurement of the poor in the United States?
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Who is most likely to end up in poverty?
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What do sociologists believe is the reason that people are poor?
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Study Notes
Income vs. Wealth
- Income refers to the flow of money, while wealth denotes an individual's net worth.
Wealth and Income of an Unemployed Individual
- An unemployed person owning significant land possesses much wealth but has little income.
Power Elite
- The term "power elite" describes dominant society members making major decisions impacting U.S. society.
Marx's Social Classes
- Marx's model categorizes society into two primary classes: workers and capitalists.
Theo's Class Status
- Theo, who attended prestigious private schools and is pursuing a business degree, is likely part of the capitalist class.
Lower Middle and Working Class
- The lower middle class and working class are less distinct from each other compared to any other social strata.
Stress and Mental Health
- The poor experience greater stress than the wealthy, which can result in increased mental health issues.
Influence of Capitalist Class
- Aaron, a member of the capitalist class, is significantly influenced by his parents' choices, particularly regarding marriage.
Religious Affiliation and Class
- Individuals from lower status classes are more likely to be affiliated with Baptist denominations than those from upper classes.
Downward Social Mobility
- Markus, who dropped out of college and now works at a fast-food restaurant, illustrates downward social mobility.
Exchange Mobility
- Exchange mobility describes a scenario where many people transition up or down the social ladder without altering the overall population proportions in each class.
Intergenerational Mobility Trends
- There is a notable trend where roughly equal percentages of individuals from lower and higher class families achieve income levels different from those of their parents.
Limitations of the Poverty Line
- The U.S. poverty line fails to accurately measure poverty because it does not consider child care costs.
Likelihood of Poverty
- Single working mothers, like Meredith, face the highest likelihood of ending up in poverty.
Sociologists' View on Poverty
- A common sociological perspective is that poverty is attributed to a perceived lack of intelligence among the poor, hindering access to well-paying jobs.
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Description
Test your understanding of key economic concepts from Chapter 10. This quiz covers definitions and distinctions between income and wealth, as well as insights into social classes and power dynamics. Perfect for students looking to solidify their knowledge on these topics.
