Revel Chapter 8 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

People with similar levels of property, power, and prestige are considered to be __________.

members of the same social class

Since 1935, income inequality in the United States has __________.

increased, then decreased

decreased, then increased (correct)

decreased

increased

Historically, __________ was displayed by what people were allowed to wear.

prestige

Marcia's family is low-income, they have not gone to college, and they have very little wealth or property. They would be considered __________.

status consistent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can occur when a person experiences a sudden increase in wealth, such as winning the lottery?

anomie Signup and view all the answers

Mary Beth made clothing for herself and her family for many years. Now, she has a small shop with several employees who create clothing based on her designs. According to Erik Wright (1985), Mary Beth occupies __________.

contradictory class locations Signup and view all the answers

Approximately __________ of the U.S. population belongs to the upper middle class.

15% Signup and view all the answers

The working class includes mostly __________.

blue-collar and white-collar workers Signup and view all the answers

Soma's father died when Soma was just four years old. His mother never remarried. Although his mother has a full-time job, the family still must depend on government assistance programs for food. They belong to which social class?

working poor Signup and view all the answers

In what way has industrialization affected the underclass?

Prior to industrialization, individuals who are now homeless would have been able to find work in factories or on farms. Signup and view all the answers

Because the wealthy have greater control over their lives, they __________ than the poor.

live longer Signup and view all the answers

Parents in the Smith family are closely supervised at their workplace. This experience contrasts with parents in the Packard family, who have very low levels of supervision at work. This difference in workplace supervision likely results in differences in __________.

child rearing Signup and view all the answers

Most capitalist parents and some upper-middle-class parents will __________ in order to give their children the best advantages.

send their children to prestigious preschools Signup and view all the answers

The higher a person is on the social class ladder, the more likely he or she is to vote for Republicans. Individuals at the lower end of the social class ladder are __________.

not likely to vote at all Signup and view all the answers

Because Bryon is a member of the working class, he is __________ to be robbed than a member of higher social classes.

more likely Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

People with similar levels of property, power, and prestige belong to the same social class.
Social class framework considers factors such as income, education, and property ownership.

Income Inequality Trends

Since 1935, income inequality in the U.S. has experienced a cycle of decrease followed by an increase.
Understanding these trends is crucial in analyzing economic mobility.

Prestige and Its Indicators

Prestige historically influences social standing, with clothing choices often reflecting one’s social status.
Those with higher prestige typically experience greater social validation and respect.

Status Consistency

Families with low income, no college education, and minimal property are characterized as having status consistency.
Socioeconomic consistency impacts expectations and social mobility opportunities.

Sudden Wealth and Its Impact

Sudden increases in wealth, such as lottery winnings, can lead to feelings of anomie—a sense of normlessness that can alter social interactions.

Contradictory Class Locations

Individuals like Mary Beth, who transition from craftsmanship to entrepreneurship, occupy contradictory class locations, indicating a mix of different class attributes.

Upper Middle Class Demographics

Approximately 15% of the U.S. population identifies as upper middle class, an important statistic reflecting socioeconomic distribution.

Composition of the Working Class

The working class consists of both blue-collar and white-collar workers, showcasing diverse job types and economic experiences.

Characteristics of the Working Poor

Families like Soma's, reliant on government assistance despite one parent working full-time, are classified as working poor, highlighting economic vulnerability.

Effects of Industrialization on the Underclass

Industrialization shifted job availability, previously offering factory or farm work, leading to increased homelessness and reduced support from upper classes.

Longevity and Wealth

Wealthier individuals tend to live longer than poorer individuals due to better access to healthcare and living conditions.

Influence of Workplace Supervision on Child Rearing

Differences in workplace supervision between families can affect parenting styles and child-rearing practices significantly.

Educational Strategies of Wealthy Parents

Many wealthy and upper-middle-class parents prioritize sending their children to prestigious preschools to enhance future opportunities.

Individuals from lower social classes are typically less likely to vote, indicating potential disenfranchisement in the political system.

Members of the working class are statistically more likely to become victims of robbery compared to those in higher social classes, reinforcing class-related vulnerability.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your understanding of key concepts from Revel Chapter 8, focusing on social class and income inequality. These flashcards cover important definitions and trends in the U.S. from 1935 to present. Perfect for review and reinforcement of the material.