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

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.

social Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their definitions:

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 Signup and view all the answers

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

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

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

Through resource allocation or creating discriminatory policies. Signup and view all the answers

What does social stratification refer to?

Structured inequalities in access to rewards Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

Name the two classes in Marx's Class Analysis.

Bourgeoisie and proletariat Signup and view all the answers

The ______ describes how multiple social identities shape experiences.

intersectionality Signup and view all the answers

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

Stratification is functional and motivates individuals Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts related to poverty with their definitions:

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 Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the Kuznets Curve theory about inequality?

Inequality rises, then falls, then stabilizes Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the upper class?

High income often exceeding $207,400 Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

precariat Signup and view all the answers

Match the social class with its primary characteristics:

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 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?

Surplus value Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

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

Status Signup and view all the answers

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

proletariat Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

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 Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the lifestyle of the middle class?

Comfortable lifestyles and emphasis on community involvement Signup and view all the answers

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

Social stratification is beneficial to motivate people. Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

Social inheritance only affects economic capital.

False Signup and view all the answers

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

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

The _____ class experiences increasing economic insecurity in recent decades.

middle Signup and view all the answers

Define contradictory class locations according to Erik Olin Wright.

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

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

capital Signup and view all the answers

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

Social Capital Signup and view all the answers

Exchange mobility is commonly observed in today's society.

False Signup and view all the answers

What two factors influence intergenerational mobility?

Family background and educational opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

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

healthy existence Signup and view all the answers

Bourdieu's concept of 'habitus' refers to:

The cultural preferences acquired through social experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of poverty with their definitions:

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 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'intragenerational mobility'?

Upward or downward movement within an individual's career. Signup and view all the answers

The Davis-Moore thesis assumes a purely meritocratic society.

True Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

majority Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of the poverty line?

An official government measure to define those living in poverty based on cost estimates. Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the Kuznets Curve illustrate?

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

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

dependency Signup and view all the answers

According to Piketty, what impacts increasing inequality?

Concentration of wealth surpassing economic growth. Signup and view all the answers

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

True Signup and view all the answers

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

A global wealth tax. Signup and view all the answers

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

structural explanation Signup and view all the answers

Match the following economic concepts with their descriptions:

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. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the working poor?

They work at least 27 weeks a year but still live below the poverty line. Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'patrimonial capitalism' refer to?

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

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

dependency culture Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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).

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: 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.

Social Stratification and Class Inequality

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Podcast

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of social stratification?

Intersectionality examines social categories in isolation.

What is meant by 'structured inequalities'?

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

Match the terms with their definitions:

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

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

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

What does social stratification refer to?

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

Name the two classes in Marx's Class Analysis.

The ______ describes how multiple social identities shape experiences.

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

Match the following concepts related to poverty with their definitions:

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

What is the Kuznets Curve theory about inequality?

What is a defining characteristic of the upper class?

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

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

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

Match the social class with its primary characteristics:

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

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

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

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

Match the following terms with their definitions:

What characterizes the lifestyle of the middle class?

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

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

Social inheritance only affects economic capital.

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

The _____ class experiences increasing economic insecurity in recent decades.

Define contradictory class locations according to Erik Olin Wright.

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

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

Exchange mobility is commonly observed in today's society.

What two factors influence intergenerational mobility?

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

Bourdieu's concept of 'habitus' refers to:

Match the types of poverty with their definitions:

Which of the following best describes 'intragenerational mobility'?

The Davis-Moore thesis assumes a purely meritocratic society.

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

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

What is the definition of the poverty line?

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

What does the Kuznets Curve illustrate?

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

According to Piketty, what impacts increasing inequality?

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

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

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

Match the following economic concepts with their descriptions:

Which of the following is true about the working poor?

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

What does the term 'patrimonial capitalism' refer to?

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

Study Notes