CHAPTER 8 - Stratification, Class, Inequality
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Questions and Answers

Since when has income inequality in the U.S. been increasing dramatically?

  • Since the 1970s (correct)
  • Since 2000
  • Since the 1990s
  • Since the Great Depression

What does the data illustrate about the distribution of income in the U.S. economy?

  • It favors the middle class
  • It has been distributed equally across all groups
  • It has increased uniformly for all income groups
  • It has not been distributed evenly across groups (correct)

What factor is indicated as not allowing everyone to share equally in the economy's productivity growth?

  • Technological advances
  • Government regulations
  • Inflation rates
  • Differences in income distribution (correct)

What was the hourly earnings ratio of college graduates to non-graduates in 2013?

<p>Nearly double (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the marginal difference in median earnings thirty years ago for college graduates compared to non-graduates?

<p>It was two-thirds higher (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of wealth, what does a college education provide according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census?

<p>Higher net worth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary argument against the traditional view of the urban underclass?

<p>They have greater mobility than previously thought. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the movement of individuals and groups through different class positions due to changes in income or occupation?

<p>Social mobility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mobility compares the social positions of children to those of their parents?

<p>Intergenerational mobility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is structural mobility primarily driven by?

<p>An expansion of better-paid jobs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a hypothetical society with complete equality of opportunity, what type of mobility is expected to be prevalent?

<p>Equal downward and upward mobility (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of intragenerational mobility?

<p>It occurs within a course of a person's career (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has been significant in social mobility in the United States since World War II?

<p>Continually increasing prosperity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the misconception about the urban underclass regarding their social aspirations?

<p>They are viewed as entirely passive and resigned. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which profession has the highest rating on the list?

<p>Computer programmer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What social factors have traditionally been relied upon in the analysis of class location?

<p>Economic measures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does recent literature suggest about the role of consumption?

<p>It plays an increasing role in daily life. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to recent perspectives, what influences individual identities more than traditional class indicators?

<p>Lifestyle choices (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Pierre Bourdieu associate with social-class groups?

<p>Cultural and economic capital (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do lifestyle choices influence social class according to new sociological perspectives?

<p>They shape individual identities more significantly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a lifestyle choice that influences identity?

<p>Where to work (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event contributed to the decline in the percentage of Americans identifying as middle class?

<p>The 2008 recession (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group is included in the upper middle class?

<p>Engineers and corporate managers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is less likely to be found among upper middle class members compared to the upper class?

<p>High-end luxuries and social connections (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What trend was observed among upper-middle-class professionals in finance and media?

<p>Declines in pension and home-value wealth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which occupational group is included in the lower middle class?

<p>Secretaries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common educational background for members of the lower middle class?

<p>High school education and some college degrees (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant change for lower middle class job security since the 2008 recession?

<p>Declining job and financial security (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do members of the lower middle class typically strive for their children's education?

<p>Utilize work-study programs and student loans (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following occupations has seen a decline in job security for lower middle class members?

<p>Teachers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Caste is a social system where status is held for life

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered to be the most prestigious occupation in the US?

<p>physician (medical) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The social class system is not fluid (movement is not possible).

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the social class based on?

<p>income, wealth (A), educational attainment, occupational status (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Pierre Bourdieu consider to help to identify social-class groups?

<p>cultural and economic capital (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who owns the means of production according to Karl Marx?

<p>bourgeoisie/capitalists (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is surplus value?

<p>the difference of the value of product/service made by the worker and the wage of the worker</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a feature of pariah groups?

<p>ability to take advantage of their status (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Whose idea was the contradictory class locations?

<p>Erik Olin Wright (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the contradictory class locations mean briefly?

<p>white-collar workers have influence over other social classes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Weber what is another factor contributing to class divisions besides the ownership of production?

<p>economic differences that have nothing to do with property (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

... - collar workers are manual laborers, doing physical tasks, often paid hourly wages, e.g. factory workers, construction workers, mechanics

<p>blue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

... -collar workers are doing office/administrative/mental work, get regular salary, e.g. lawyers, accountants, teachers, managers

<p>white</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who belongs to the 'no-collar' division?

<p>artists, freelance writers, content creators (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What helps social reproduction according to Bourdieu?

<p>cultural capital (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If someone can not afford to buy food, medicine or other basic needs, they live in relative poverty.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Income

Money received from paid wages and salaries or earned from investments.

Income Inequality

The unequal distribution of income among different groups in society.

Mean Household Income

The average income across a group of households.

Top 1%

The richest 1% of households in a country.

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Bottom 20%

The poorest 20% of households in a country.

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Income Gap

Refers to the increase in income of the top 1% of households compared to the rest of the population.

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Recent Rise in Income Inequality

The period between 1970s and present when income inequality has been significantly rising.

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Growing Productivity and Uneven Income Distribution

The state of the economy where overall productivity has increased but not everyone benefits equally.

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Bourdieu's Concept of Social Class

The sociologist Pierre Bourdieu argued that social class is distinguished by the amount of "cultural and economic capital" people possess.

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Lifestyle as a Class Indicator

Cultural factors like lifestyle, consumption patterns, and markers contribute to building one's identity and marking social class.

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Lifestyle Choices and Social Class

Social class is increasingly defined by lifestyle choices, such as fashion choices, dining preferences, health routines, and leisure activities.

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Traditional Class Indicators

Traditionally, social class was primarily measured using economic indicators like income and wealth.

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Changing Perspectives on Social Class

A growing emphasis on lifestyle choices and consumption patterns is shaping social class.

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Consumption as a Social Class Marker

Symbols and markers related to consumption play a significant role in daily life, signifying social status.

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Cultural and Economic Capital

Social class groups are identifiable based on their levels of cultural and economic capital.

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Social Capital and Class

These resources influence how people participate in social activities and interactions.

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College Degree Earnings Gap

The difference in annual earnings between those with a college degree and those without. In 2013, college graduates earned nearly double what those without a degree earned.

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Net Benefits of College

The total financial benefit of attending college, calculated by subtracting the cost of college from the lifetime earnings of a college graduate.

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College Degree and Wealth

The median net worth of households headed by college graduates was $147,578 in 2013, significantly higher than the $36,795 median net worth of households headed by someone with only a high school diploma.

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Growing College Degree Earnings Gap

The earnings gap between college graduates and those without a degree has been widening over time, with college graduates earning more than double the amount of non-degree holders in 2013.

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College Cost-Benefit Analysis

The financial benefits of attending college often outweigh the costs, with an estimated half million dollars in lifetime earnings advantage for college graduates.

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College Degree Earnings Premium

The advantage in earnings associated with a college degree, which has been increasing significantly over the last 30 years.

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Median Earnings by Education Level

The median annual earnings of those with a college degree in 2015 were significantly higher than those with only a high school diploma: $50,000+ vs. $30,500.

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Financial Returns of a College Degree

The potential for increased income and wealth that accompanies earning a college degree.

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What characterizes the upper middle class?

The upper middle class includes highly educated professionals, managers, small business owners, and some large farm owners. The upper middle class consists of approximately 20% of all American households, are college educated, own comfortable homes and expensive cars, and are often active in local politics.

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How did the 2008 recession affect the middle class?

The 2008 recession and the uneven economic recovery that followed caused the percentage of Americans identifying as middle class to decrease from 53% in 2008 to 47% in 2015.

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How can the American middle class be subdivided?

The American middle class can be divided into two groups: the upper middle class and the lower middle class. These groups are distinguished by factors such as income, education, occupation, and lifestyle.

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How does the upper middle class compare to the upper class?

The upper middle class is less likely to experience extreme luxury, social connections, or extravagances compared to the upper class.

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What are some characteristics of the upper middle class lifestyle?

The upper middle class typically owns comfortable homes, drives expensive cars, has some savings and investments, and participates in local politics and civic organizations.

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How has the economic climate changed the upper middle class?

While traditionally upper middle class jobs have been secure and provided benefits, many upper middle class individuals working in finance and media have been affected by layoffs and have seen their wealth decline.

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Contrast the upper middle class with the lower middle class.

The upper middle class typically has a higher income, higher education, and often holds professional positions.

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Provide a summary of the upper middle class.

The upper middle class is characterized by a comfortable standard of living, with a focus on education, career advancement, and community involvement.

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Lower Middle Class

A social class composed of skilled workers, office professionals, and service providers, representing roughly 40% of American households. This group can include individuals with varying education levels and incomes.

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Lower Middle Class Lifestyle

Members of the lower middle class often own a modest house, have a late model car, and prioritize education for their children. They may utilize work-study programs and student loans for college.

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Financial Security of the Lower Middle Class

The lower middle class, while not considered affluent, has experienced a decline in financial security due to factors like the 2008 recession and changes in job market stability.

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Career Worries in the Lower Middle Class

The lower middle class has seen a growing concern about career prospects and financial stability, particularly among millennials.

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Job Security Decline in the Lower Middle Class

Jobs previously considered secure, like firefighters, police officers, and teachers, are now facing more instability, threatening the financial security of the lower middle class.

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Working Class

A social class composed of individuals working in manual labor or blue-collar occupations.

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Rising Lower Middle Class Identification

The term 'lower middle class' has gained popularity, with a significant increase in the number of Americans self-identifying as such, reflecting a growing awareness of economic realities.

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Diversity Within the Lower Middle Class

The American lower middle class embodies a diverse range of individuals with varying levels of education and incomes, showcasing its complex nature.

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Social Mobility

The movement of individuals or groups up or down the socioeconomic ladder, often through changes in occupation, wealth, or income.

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Intergenerational Mobility

The upward or downward movement of individuals across generations, comparing their class positions to their parents or grandparents.

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Intragenerational Mobility

The upward or downward movement of an individual's socioeconomic standing within their own lifetime.

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Structural Mobility

Upward mobility made possible by an expansion of better-paying jobs, often due to economic growth.

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Exchange Mobility

The movement of individuals up or down the socioeconomic ladder when there is no expansion in the number of jobs, but rather a shuffling of positions.

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Underclass

A social class composed of individuals situated at the bottom of the class system, often facing significant disadvantages and limited opportunities.

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Agency of the Urban Underclass

The belief that the urban underclass is not simply a defeated group, but rather a group with unique strengths and strategies for survival.

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Urban Poor and Social Connections

The idea that the separations between the urban poor and the rest of society are not as great as some scholars believe, highlighting their connections and efforts to navigate the wider social structure.

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Study Notes

Stratification, Class, and Inequality

  • Americans, especially those with limited resources, are increasingly relying on loans to cover expenses.
  • Student loan debt is currently the largest form of borrowing in the United States when considering the total amount owed.

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Related Documents

Week 5 - Chapter 8: Stratification, Class, and Inequality PDF

Description

This quiz explores the shifts in income distribution in the United States between 1993 and 2015, focusing on the bottom 99 percent and the top 1 percent of households. It assesses changes in mean household income and discusses the rising trends of income inequality over time. Test your knowledge about how economic growth has affected different income groups.

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