Questions and Answers
What is the common perception of Canada in terms of social class?
What is SOCIAL-ECONOMIC STATUS?
A composite measure of social position that considers also power, occupational prestige, and schooling.
What was the average family income in Canada in 2011?
$75,900
Which percentage of all income did the top 20% earn in 2011?
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What is included in wealth?
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White-collar workers generally have less occupational prestige than blue-collar workers.
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Which group tends to accumulate less wealth and earn less income?
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What are the four general social classes in Canada?
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What defines Upper-uppers in Canadian society?
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What percentage of the Canadian population are Lower-uppers?
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What is the demographic proportion of the Middle Class in Canada?
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Define the working class in Canada.
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Study Notes
Social Class in Canada
- Canada is often perceived as a middle-class society, but socio-economic stratification is significant.
- Many poor families face daily struggles to meet basic needs, while wealthy families control the majority of financial resources.
Dimensions of Social Inequality
- Social class is multi-dimensional; inequality is not only determined by financial assets but also by power, occupational prestige, and education.
- Socio-economic status is the aggregate measure of an individual’s social standing based on various factors.
Income in Canada
- Income encompasses wages, salaries, investment earnings, and government payments.
- In 2011, the average family income was $75,900, with dual-income families earning significantly more.
- The wealthiest 20% earned 44.3% of total income, whereas the poorest 20% earned only 4.8%.
Wealth Distribution
- Wealth extends beyond income; it includes total assets minus debts, and its distribution is even less equitable.
- In the U.S., the richest 20% hold 89% of total wealth, illustrating extreme wealth concentration.
Power and Occupational Prestige
- Wealth is a key source of power, influencing occupational status, income, and social authority.
- Occupations such as physicians and lawyers are esteemed, while low-wage jobs like cashiers are viewed with less prestige.
- White-collar roles generally have higher social esteem than blue-collar ones.
Role of Education
- Education is crucial for workforce participation and income levels; it is a highly valued societal asset.
- Gender disparities in education are minimal in similar job roles, but women have an overall higher level of educational attainment.
- A strong correlation exists between educational achievement and earnings potential.
Influence of Ancestry
- Ancestry significantly impacts one’s initiation into social inequality, affecting life opportunities.
Canadian Stratification: Merit vs. Caste
- Some families maintain wealth and influence across generations.
- Being born into wealth or poverty plays a critical role in shaping future educational and occupational trajectories.
Race and Ethnicity Impact
- Social position is notably influenced by race and ethnicity, with certain groups achieving higher average incomes.
- Japanese, British, and French individuals generally have higher incomes compared to Chinese, Black, and Indigenous populations, with Quebecois and First Nations experiencing the lowest earnings.
Gender Disparities
- Women consistently earn less than men, with lower wealth accumulation and occupational prestige.
- Single-parent families led by women are more than twice as likely to face poverty compared to those headed by men.
Social Class Structure in Canada
- Sociological definitions of social classes vary, making it complex to delineate this hierarchy due to low status consistency.
- General social classes include the Upper class, Middle class, Working class, and Lower class.
Upper-Uppers
- Represent less than 1% of Canadians, these families possess significant inherited wealth, often referred to as "blue bloods."
Lower-Uppers
- Comprising 2-4% of the population, these are the "working rich" who, despite wealth accumulation, are often excluded from elite societal circles.
The Middle Class
- Represents 40-50% of Canadians, exerting considerable cultural influence as portrayed in media and advertising.
- More ethnically diverse than the upper class, reflecting a wider range of experiences and backgrounds.
Upper-Middles
- This group includes highly educated professionals who accumulate substantial property.
Average-Middles
- Composed of managers and skilled workers, this class tends to have children attending local universities, accumulating some wealth over time.
The Working Class
- About one-third of the Canadian population, sometimes referred to as the lower-middle class, characterized by blue-collar jobs which often lack creativity and face high supervision.
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Description
Explore the complexities of social class in Canada, including the significant socio-economic stratification and the struggles faced by various families. Understand how income, wealth distribution, and social inequality shape the lives of Canadians.
