Questions and Answers
What is social class?
What is social stratification?
The division of society into groups arranged in a social hierarchy.
What does social inequality lead to?
Social stratification.
What are some factors that determine social class?
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Define income.
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What is wealth?
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What is 'old money'?
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What is cultural capital?
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What are the four main principles of social stratification?
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What is considered problematic in social class categories?
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Define status inconsistency.
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How did Karl Marx view the order of social class?
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What does the term bourgeoisie refer to?
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What is the proletariat?
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Name one of the theories of social class.
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What is the relationship between money and prestige according to Max Weber?
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Define power in society.
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What is prestige?
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Name one of Pierre Bourdieu's theories of social class.
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What is symbolic interactionism theory of social class?
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Study Notes
Social Class Concepts
- Social class refers to one's position in a stratification system, determined by wealth, property, power, and prestige. Often interchangeable with socioeconomic status (SES).
- Social stratification is the hierarchical division of society into different groups, observable in all societies and based on various criteria such as race, gender, religion, or education.
Social Inequality and Its Implications
- Social inequality drives social stratification and manifests in the unequal distribution of wealth and power among individuals.
- Social class encompasses more than financial aspects; it also includes education, occupation, prestige, and cultural capital.
Income and Wealth
- Income is defined as the money a person earns, directly influencing their financial stability.
- Wealth is calculated as the total value of one’s income and assets (like stocks and real estate), minus any debts. Wealth can be inherited, and an individual can experience negative wealth when in debt.
Types of Wealth
- Old money signifies wealth that has been accumulated and passed down through generations, often associated with higher social prestige.
Cultural Capital
- Cultural capital comprises the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for individuals to navigate society effectively.
Principles of Social Stratification
- Social stratification is a characteristic inherent to society and not merely a reflection of individual differences.
- It persists across generations, varies by society, and is reinforced by shared beliefs and ideologies in the culture.
Social Classes in the United States
- The majority of Americans identify as middle class, with a six-category model defining social class based on wealth, education, and income.
- The six categories consist of upper class, upper-middle class, middle class, working (lower middle) class, working poor, and underclass.
Status Inconsistency
- Status inconsistency refers to situations where an individual’s socioeconomic characteristics do not align (e.g., high education but low income), leading to conflicting social status.
Theoretical Perspectives on Social Class
- Karl Marx focused on the conflict between capitalists (bourgeoisie) and workers (proletariat), asserting economic relationships dictate class structures.
- Max Weber emphasized that prestige also plays a crucial role in social class distinctions, highlighting the difference between old money and new money.
- Pierre Bourdieu introduced the concepts of social reproduction and cultural capital, underscoring how social class status is often perpetuated and influenced by cultural dispositions.
Symbolic Interactionism
- This theory posits that social class is formed and maintained through social interactions and personal presentations, shaping how individuals perceive and treat one another based on class cues.
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Description
Test your knowledge of social class and stratification with these flashcards. This quiz covers key definitions related to socioeconomic status and the hierarchical structure of society. Perfect for students exploring the complexities of social inequality.
