Questions and Answers
What is the multi-dimensional ranking of social stratification?
Socioeconomic Status
Which social class is also known as 'blue bloods' and comes from old money?
Upper-uppers
In 2015, about what percentage of the population lived in poverty?
14.5%
Which social class lives at or below the poverty line?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a way that an individual can experience upward mobility?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these occupations has the highest prestige ranking?
Signup and view all the answers
The last slave in the world was set free in 1877.
Signup and view all the answers
Weber thought that explanations of social stratification should include which of the following factors?
Signup and view all the answers
The upper class makes up about 20 percent of the population in the United States.
Signup and view all the answers
A person can experience downward mobility by losing a job or dropping out of school.
Signup and view all the answers
The United States and Canada, as modern nations, do not experience social stratification.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum level of income possible before poverty becomes life threatening?
Signup and view all the answers
Conflict theorists argue that social stratification often leads to conflict and other negative consequences because some people have more than others.
Signup and view all the answers
Castes are an example of an open system.
Signup and view all the answers
In which social stratification system does a person marry only people within their same group?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Social Stratification Concepts
- Socioeconomic status represents the multi-dimensional ranking of individuals based on economic and social factors.
- "Upper-uppers" is a term for the elite social class, typically associated with old money and traditional wealth.
Poverty Statistics
- In 2015, approximately 14.5% of the U.S. population lived under the poverty line.
- The lower class is defined as individuals living at or below the poverty threshold.
Mobility and Occupation Prestige
- Upward mobility can be achieved through actions such as obtaining an advanced degree.
- Physicians hold the highest prestige ranking among occupations, reflecting societal esteem and professional respect.
Facts about Slavery and Social Stratification
- The statement that the last slave was freed in 1877 is false, indicating that slavery issues persisted beyond that date.
- Max Weber argued that a comprehensive explanation of social stratification should consider various factors, supporting an inclusive view.
Demographics of Social Classes
- The upper class in the United States does not account for approximately 20% of the population; this statement is false, indicating a smaller percentage.
- Social stratification is not absent in modern nations like the United States and Canada; both experience varying degrees of social hierarchy.
Poverty Levels and Theories
- Absolute poverty refers to the income level at which survival is threatened, highlighting critical economic thresholds.
- Conflict theorists state that social stratification can lead to societal conflict due to disparities in wealth and resources among different groups.
Caste and Social Systems
- Castes represent a closed social stratification system where individuals are restricted to marrying only within their assigned group, highlighting rigid social barriers.
- The claim that castes are an example of an open system is incorrect, emphasizing their restrictive nature.
Mobility Dynamics
- Downward mobility can occur through negative life events, such as losing a job or dropping out of school, illustrating the impact of socio-economic shifts on individuals' status.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the key concepts of social stratification, including socioeconomic status, poverty statistics, and the prestige of occupations. This quiz delves into the intricacies of class mobility and the lasting impacts of historical social issues like slavery. Test your understanding of how these factors interconnect within society.
