Social Stratification and Class Inequality
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of social stratification?

  • Equal distribution of resources
  • Individual achievements
  • Personal wealth accumulation
  • Structured inequalities between groups (correct)

Intersectionality examines social categories in isolation.

False (B)

What is meant by 'structured inequalities'?

Social inequalities resulting from patterns in the social structure.

Social stratification is built into the ______, economic, and political systems.

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

Match the terms with their definitions:

<p>Social Stratification = The existence of structured inequalities between groups Intersectionality = The interconnected nature of social categorizations Structured Inequalities = Inequalities resulting from social structure patterns Social Institutions = Systems that perpetuate stratification</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes the role of social institutions in perpetuating inequalities?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The experience of individuals is influenced solely by their economic status.

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

Name one way in which social institutions create and reinforce inequalities.

<p>Through resource allocation or creating discriminatory policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does social stratification refer to?

<p>Structured inequalities in access to rewards (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Absolute poverty refers to a condition where an individual can afford basic necessities such as food and healthcare.

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

Name the two classes in Marx's Class Analysis.

<p>Bourgeoisie and proletariat</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ describes how multiple social identities shape experiences.

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

What is the main focus of the Davis-Moore Thesis?

<p>Stratification is functional and motivates individuals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts related to poverty with their definitions:

<p>Absolute Poverty = Lack of basic necessities Relative Poverty = Poverty in relation to the majority's living standards Working Poor = Employed individuals below the poverty line Culture of Poverty Thesis = Poverty transmitted across generations</p> Signup and view all the answers

Piketty's Inequality Thesis suggests that wealth concentration decreases over time with economic growth.

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

What is the Kuznets Curve theory about inequality?

<p>Inequality rises, then falls, then stabilizes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the upper class?

<p>High income often exceeding $207,400 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The working class generally has a high level of wealth and financial security.

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

Define 'life chances' in the context of social class.

<p>Life chances refer to the opportunities individuals have for achieving economic prosperity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The _____ class is characterized by highly unstable income often beneath the poverty line.

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

Match the social class with its primary characteristics:

<p>Upper Class = Lavish lifestyles and high political influence Middle Class = Economic insecurity and comfortable lifestyles Working Class = Modest income and blue-collar jobs Precariat = Temporary work and housing insecurity</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, what is the term for the difference between the value of a worker's labor and the wages they receive?

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

Weber's analysis of social class is based solely on ownership of the means of production.

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

What term did Weber use to describe social honor or prestige awarded to a group?

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

Marx believed that capitalism leads to poor working conditions and low wages for the _____ class.

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

Match the following terms with their definitions:

<p>Bourgeoisie = Owners of the means of production Proletariat = Workers who sell their labor Class struggle = Conflict between different social classes Class consciousness = Awareness of one’s class position</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the lifestyle of the middle class?

<p>Comfortable lifestyles and emphasis on community involvement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument of the Davis-Moore thesis?

<p>Social stratification is beneficial to motivate people. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, wealth in the upper class is typically earned through hard work alone.

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

Social inheritance only affects economic capital.

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

Describe one criticism of Marx's theory of social class.

<p>Marx's theory is criticized for being overly simplistic regarding class structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The _____ class experiences increasing economic insecurity in recent decades.

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

Define contradictory class locations according to Erik Olin Wright.

<p>Positions in the class structure that share characteristics with both upper and lower class positions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bourdieu's theory introduces different forms of ______ beyond economic resources.

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

Which type of capital refers to networks of relationships and connections?

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

Exchange mobility is commonly observed in today's society.

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

What two factors influence intergenerational mobility?

<p>Family background and educational opportunities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Absolute poverty is defined as not meeting the minimal requirements necessary to sustain a ______.

<p>healthy existence</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bourdieu's concept of 'habitus' refers to:

<p>The cultural preferences acquired through social experiences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of poverty with their definitions:

<p>Absolute Poverty = Not meeting the minimal requirements necessary for a healthy existence Relative Poverty = Defined according to the living standards of the majority in society</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'intragenerational mobility'?

<p>Upward or downward movement within an individual's career. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Davis-Moore thesis assumes a purely meritocratic society.

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

What are the three dimensions of control over economic resources identified by Erik Olin Wright?

<p>Control over investments, control over the physical means of production, control over labor power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Relative poverty means being poor compared to the standards of living of the ______.

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

What is the definition of the poverty line?

<p>An official government measure to define those living in poverty based on cost estimates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The culture of poverty theory suggests that poverty results from individual inadequacies.

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

What does the Kuznets Curve illustrate?

<p>It illustrates how inequality increases during early capitalist development, then declines and stabilizes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ culture describes individuals who rely on state welfare rather than entering the labor market.

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

According to Piketty, what impacts increasing inequality?

<p>Concentration of wealth surpassing economic growth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Critics of the dependency culture theory argue it does not consider structural barriers preventing employment.

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

What is a suggested solution by Piketty to combat wealth inequality?

<p>A global wealth tax.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ of poverty refers to the argument that it is perpetuated by structural factors rather than individual failings.

<p>structural explanation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following economic concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Inequality = The unequal distribution of wealth and resources. Globalization = The increasing interconnection of economies worldwide. Technological change = Advancements that can affect job availability and wages. Safety nets = Programs designed to protect individuals from economic hardships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the working poor?

<p>They work at least 27 weeks a year but still live below the poverty line. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discrimination based on social categories does not play a role in creating poverty.

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

What does the term 'patrimonial capitalism' refer to?

<p>A system where power and wealth are concentrated among a few, often through inheritance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ thesis has been criticized for focusing too much on individual behavior rather than societal structures.

<p>dependency culture</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Social Stratification

Unequal distribution of resources and opportunities in society.

Intersectionality

How multiple social identities (race, class, gender) affect lives.

Structured Inequalities

Social inequalities due to social structures, not individual choices.

Social Inequality

Unequal distribution of resources and opportunities within society.

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Material Rewards

Tangible things like money, property, and possessions.

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Symbolic Rewards

Social status, respect, or recognition.

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Social Institutions

Groups and systems shaping society.

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Multiple group memberships

Holding various social identities simultaneously.

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Social Class

A large group of people with similar economic resources, influencing their lifestyle.

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Life Chances

Opportunities for economic success affected by social class.

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Upper Class Income

Very high income, often above $207,400, often from investments and inheritance.

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Upper Class Wealth

Extremely high, accumulated through generations.

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Middle Class Income

Stable, substantial income, typically $42,000 to $188,000 (household).

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Working Class Income

Modest, typically from $20,000 to $40,000 (household).

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Precariat Income

Highly unstable, often below the poverty line.

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Bourgeoisie

Owners of the means of production (factories, land, capital).

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Proletariat

Workers who sell their labor for wages.

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Surplus Value

Difference between worker's labor value and their wages.

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Class Struggle

Conflict between the bourgeoisie and proletariat due to opposing interests.

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Social Status

Social honor or prestige.

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Max Weber's Framework

A multi-dimensional class analysis considering economic resources, social status, and power.

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Social Closure

Strategies groups use to maintain their privileged social position.

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Davis-Moore Thesis

Social inequality is good for society; it motivates people to fill important roles.

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Social Inheritance

Passing advantages (e.g., wealth, connections, education) from one generation to the next.

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Contradictory Class Locations

Positions with characteristics of both higher and lower classes (e.g., white-collar jobs).

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Economic Capital

Traditional resources like money, investments, and property.

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Social Capital

Network connections and relationships that provide resources and opportunities.

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Cultural Capital

Non-economic resources like language, tastes, and knowledge passed down socially.

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Symbolic Capital

Prestige, honor, and recognition that individuals/groups gain, convertible into other forms of capital.

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Habitus

System of ingrained tastes, preferences, dispositions learned from social experiences.

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Social Mobility

Movement between different social positions (classes).

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Intergenerational Mobility

Social movement between generations (parents' class to children).

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Intragenerational Mobility

Social movement within one person's lifetime.

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Absolute Poverty

Lacking essential resources for a healthy life (food, shelter, healthcare).

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Relative Poverty

Being poor compared to living standards of the majority in a society.

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Marx's Class Analysis

Focuses on the relationship to the means of production (owning or not owning the tools of work). The bourgeoisie (owners) exploit the proletariat (workers) through surplus value.

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Weber's Class Analysis

Expands on Marx, adding status (social standing) and power (influence) to the mix. This analysis considers skills, credentials, and market position.

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Poverty Line

An official government measure used to determine who is considered poor in the US, based on the estimated cost of living for families of different sizes.

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Working Poor

Individuals who work at least 27 weeks a year but still earn below the poverty line, highlighting the challenges of escaping poverty through work alone.

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Kuznets Curve

A theoretical model showing inequality rising during early capitalist development, then decreasing, and eventually stabilizing at a lower level.

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Piketty's Wealth Argument

Thomas Piketty argues that wealth growth often outpaces economic growth, leading to wealth concentration and increasing inequality.

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Patrimonial Capitalism

A system where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, typically through inheritance and influence, leading to wealth concentration and inequality.

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Culture of Poverty

The idea that poverty is not just about individual inadequacy, but rather a result of social and cultural factors passed down through generations.

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Dependency Culture

A term critiqued for suggesting people relying on government assistance are dependent, neglecting the structural barriers preventing them from working.

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Capitalism's Role in Poverty

The pursuit of profit and competition within capitalism can contribute to poverty through low wages, job insecurity, and unequal access to resources.

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Discrimination and Poverty

Discrimination based on race, gender, or ethnicity can limit opportunities and create relative poverty by restricting access to resources.

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Individual Factors in Poverty

Explanations focusing on individual characteristics like lack of motivation, poor choices, or lack of skills as reasons for poverty.

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Structural Factors in Poverty

Explanations highlighting broader societal factors like economic inequality, discrimination, and limited access to resources as the root causes of poverty.

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Nuanced Perspective on Poverty

Recognizing that both individual choices and structural factors contribute to poverty, with individuals' choices being influenced by their circumstances.

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Global Wealth Tax

Piketty's proposal for a tax on wealth worldwide to limit wealth concentration and reduce inequality.

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Alternative Solutions to Inequality

Other potential policies beyond a global wealth tax to address wealth inequality, such as increased investment in education or social safety nets.

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Study Notes

Social Stratification and Class Inequality

  • Social Stratification: Structured inequalities in access to material and symbolic rewards. This is a system, not just individual differences. Society isn't equally distributed in terms of resources and opportunities.

  • Intersectionality: Multiple social identities (race, class, gender) interact to shape individual experiences, highlighting the interconnected nature of social categorizations.

  • Structured Inequalities: Social inequalities embedded in institutions and systems, creating systemic advantages and disadvantages. Unequal rewards and access are built into society.

  • Social Class: A large grouping of people with common economic resources impacting lifestyle. It's a multidimensional concept (economic resources, social status, and power).

Theories of Social Class

  • Karl Marx: Focuses on the relationship to the means of production (resources used to make goods/services). The bourgeoisie own the means, and the proletariat work for them. Exploitation: Difference between worker's labor value and wage. Class struggle is inherent in capitalism.

  • Max Weber: Expanded on Marx by recognizing that class isn't solely economic. Skills, credentials, and market position are all important. He added status (social honor or prestige) and power (ability to influence) as dimensions of class.

  • Davis-Moore Thesis: Social stratification is beneficial for society; unequal rewards motivate the most qualified to fill the most important positions. Heavily criticized for assumptions about meritocracy.

  • Erik Olin Wright: Explores the complexities of the middle class, analyzing contradictory class locations meaning individuals control aspects of production while also being controlled. Three aspects of control are critical: control over investments, the physical means of production, and labor power.

  • Pierre Bourdieu: Examines class beyond economic factors, introducing concepts like economic, social, cultural, and symbolic capital, as well as habitus (dispositions shaped by experiences). Cultural reproduction perpetuates inequality.

Social Mobility

  • Social Mobility: Movement between social positions.

  • Intergenerational Mobility: Movement between generations (e.g., due to education or occupation changes).

  • Intragenerational Mobility: Movement within a single person's career.

  • Exchange Mobility: Theoretical concept of complete equality of opportunity, where talented people move up and less talented move down. Rarely occurs in reality.

Poverty

  • Absolute Poverty: Lacking basic necessities (food, shelter, healthcare).

  • Relative Poverty: Poverty compared to the majority's living standards.

  • Poverty Line: Official government measure of poverty, often criticized for inaccuracy.

  • Working Poor: Employed individuals with incomes below the poverty line.

  • Kuznets Curve: Suggests inequality increases then decreases in early stages of capitalist development.

Inequality

  • Piketty's Analysis: Wealth concentration increases unless economic growth is rapid. Patrimonial Capitalism: Power concentrated in the hands of a few through inherited wealth.

Theories of Poverty

  • Culture of Poverty: Poverty results from social/cultural environment, passed down through generations. Critics argue this blames the victim and ignores societal forces.

  • Dependency Culture: Individuals depend on welfare instead of entering the job market. It is criticized for neglecting structural barriers.

Capitalism and Poverty

  • Capitalism's focus on profit maximization and competition can create and perpetuate poverty by negatively impacting wages, and job security.

Discrimination and Poverty

  • Discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, etc. can lead to relative poverty. This stems from limited access to resources, jobs, and opportunities via unequal social institutions.

Individual vs. Structural Explanations for Poverty

  • Individual Explanations: Focus on personal characteristics contributing to poverty, often criticized for ignoring systemic issues.
  • Structural Explanations: Focus on systemic factors that create poverty (e.g., discrimination, economic inequality).
  • A more nuanced view recognizes the integration of both individual choices and societal structures.

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Description

Explore the concepts of social stratification, intersectionality, and structured inequalities in society. This quiz examines how social identities and economic resources interact to shape experiences and opportunities. Test your understanding of key theories, including those proposed by Karl Marx.

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