Social Class and Status Exam 1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are life chances?

The extent to which our chances for the good things in life are shaped by class position.

What is social stratification?

Social ranking based on characteristics such as wealth, occupation, or prestige.

What are means of production?

Physical, non-human inputs used for the production of economic value.

What does the term bourgeoisie refer to?

The capitalist class. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proletariat?

The working class. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by mode of production?

The manner in which production takes place and the relationships that develop in the course of production. Signup and view all the answers

What defines capitalism?

A commercial order characterized by the dominance of the owners of industry over the mass of industrial workers. Signup and view all the answers

What is superstructure in a societal context?

The class that controls the means of production and the ideas and values that arise from it. Signup and view all the answers

What does class-consciousness mean?

A sense of shared identity and common grievances that requires a collective response. Signup and view all the answers

How is social class defined?

A group of people who share the same economically shaped life chances. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a lifestyle in terms of social status?

A common way of living among members of a status group. Signup and view all the answers

What is status according to Weber?

Ranking by social prestige rather than economic factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is occupational prestige?

The status or respect accorded to an occupation. Signup and view all the answers

What does power refer to in a societal context?

The capacity of individuals or groups to carry out their will even over the opposition of others. Signup and view all the answers

What is prestige in social terms?

Social esteem or honor expressed in attitudes of respect or deference. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the middle class in the Gilbert-Kahl model?

Located below the upper-middle class and above the working class. Signup and view all the answers

Define capitalist class in the Gilbert-Kahl model.

The very small top class composed of people whose income is largely derived from return on assets. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Age of Growing Inequality?

The period beginning in the mid-1970s when inequality rose on multiple dimensions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Life chances are determined by class position, influencing access to goods and opportunities.
Social stratification categorizes individuals based on wealth, occupation, and prestige.

Means of Production

Means of production consist of physical inputs essential for economic value creation, including facilities and tools.
Social classes are characterized by their relationship to the means of production.

Bourgeoisie and Proletariat

The bourgeoisie refers to the capitalist class that owns production means.
The proletariat represents the working class that sells labor for wages.

Mode of Production

Mode of production encompasses the processes of production and the class relationships formed during production.
It is fundamental in shaping a society's economic structure and is a key determinant of the societal superstructure.

Capitalism

Capitalism is characterized by the dominance of industrial owners over workers and is marked by private ownership and profit motivation.

Superstructure

Superstructure includes the ideologies and institutions controlled by those who own the means of production, influencing political and cultural aspects of society.

Class Consciousness

Class consciousness reflects a collective identity among individuals sharing common experiences and grievances, necessitating group action.

Social class groups share similar life chances and are distinguished by factors like occupation, income, and prestige.
Families within a class possess relative economic standing.

Lifestyle and Consumption

Status groups form around shared lifestyles, differing from classes that are stratified by production relations.
Consumption patterns help define the social identity of groups.

Status and Prestige

Status, as defined by Weber, emphasizes social prestige rather than economic conditions, making it a subjective phenomenon.
Prestige reflects social esteem, impacting social interactions and influencing occupational respect.

Occupation and Occupational Prestige

Occupation serves as a key determinant of class position, related to the primary work people do for income.
Occupational prestige scores gauge the respect associated with various occupations, impacting individuals’ social standing.

Power Dynamics

Power involves the ability of groups to exert influence, often observed in the capitalist class's control over economic policies.

Middle Class

The middle class, located between the upper-middle and working classes, consists of lower managers, semi-professionals, and skilled tradesmen.
Distinctive skills and knowledge distinguish them from the working class.

Capitalist Class

The capitalist class is a small elite deriving wealth primarily from asset returns and is synonymous with the bourgeoisie.

Age of Growing Inequality

The Age of Growing Inequality began in the mid-1970s, marked by heightened disparities in wages, income, and wealth.
This era contrasts significantly with previous periods of greater economic equality.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts related to social class and status with these flashcards. Covering definitions such as 'life chances' and 'social stratification', this quiz helps solidify your understanding of social dynamics. Perfect for exam preparation or class review.