Sociology Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the two broad perspectives on class status?

Both A and B (correct)

Class as a set of discrete groups

Class status as access to a continuum of resources

Neither A nor B

What is the Division of Labor?

The social process of determining who does what work and for what rewards.

What is exploitation?

The process by which the labor of some people produces wealth that is controlled by others.

What are life chances?

The practical opportunity to achieve desired material conditions and personal experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is social capital?

The access to resources people have by virtue of relationships and connections within a social network. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the 'Generations of Wealth and Privilege'?

The Winston family, representing upper-class backgrounds and economic circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Generations of Working Poverty'?

Families who are working poor and have networks but limited life chances compared to upper-class networks. Signup and view all the answers

What are family networks?

Social class networks crucial to understanding class stratification and inequality. Signup and view all the answers

What is class identity?

The awareness of, and sense of belonging to, a specific social class. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the capitalist and corporate managerial class?

Often referred to as the '1 percent', they have a disproportionate amount of economic and political influence. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the middle class?

A larger group than the upper class, often with jobs based on higher education or technical skills. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of the working class?

A standard of living comparable to the middle class but with less stability. Signup and view all the answers

What does the lower class comprise?

Individuals without higher education or skilled jobs, often experiencing high economic insecurity. Signup and view all the answers

How does social class affect family identity?

Through socialization processes, enculturation strategies, and shaping life opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What is increasing inequality?

The growing trend of social class categories and identity impacting family life in the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Gini Index?

A measure of inequality where 0 represents complete equality and 1 represents complete inequality. Signup and view all the answers

The lower class experiences ______.

periods of poverty Signup and view all the answers

What describes the situation at the bottom of the social ladder?

Red-lining, war on drugs, and school segregation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition of jobs in the middle?

Blue-collar jobs are less secure, while jobs requiring higher education typically offer higher pay. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the situation at the top of the social hierarchy?

The new super-rich have doubled their income share since 1970. Signup and view all the answers

What is the poverty line?

The level of income below which the federal government defines a family or individual as poor. Signup and view all the answers

What was the official poverty rate in the US in 2012?

15 percent, with approximately 46.5 million people living below the federal poverty line. Signup and view all the answers

What is social mobility?

The movement up or down between social classes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Two views on class status: a continuum of resources (socioeconomic ladder) versus distinct groups (larger lower classes stacked under smaller higher classes).

Division of Labor

Social process defining work roles and associated rewards.

Exploitation

Labor from some individuals generates wealth controlled by others, highlighting economic disparities.

Life Chances

Refers to practical opportunities for achieving material and personal goals.

Resources accessed through relationships and social networks influence opportunities.

Generations of Wealth and Privilege

The Winston family exemplifies upper-class networks offering higher life chances and social capital.

Generations of Working Poverty

Working poor families possess networks but lack the life opportunities afforded by upper-class connections.

Family Networks

Understanding class stratification and inequality is vital through examining social class networks.

Class Identity

Awareness and belonging to a specific social class influence individual experiences.

Capitalist and Corporate Managerial Class

Represents the "1 percent," consisting of a small group with significant economic and political power. Only 3.2% of American adults identify as upper class.

Middle Class

A larger demographic historically associated with stable jobs requiring higher education, though this stability is diminishing.

Working Class

Lives comparably to the middle class yet experiences more economic instability.

Lower Class

Characterized by low income, high economic insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and housing. Includes individuals dependent on government assistance.

Social class influences family identity through socialization, parental strategies, children’s social experiences, and life opportunities.

Increasing Inequality

A significant trend in U.S. history where social class and identity contribute to growing family life disparities.

Gini Index

A statistical measure of inequality, with values ranging from 0 (complete equality) to 1 (complete inequality).

At the Bottom

Factors contributing to lower social class include redlining, the War on Drugs, corporate prisons, and school segregation.

In the Middle

Blue-collar jobs offer less security compared to higher-paying jobs that require advanced education.

At the Top

The new super-rich have seen their income share double since 1970, with notable figures like Steve Jobs and Carl Icahn influencing the landscape.

Poverty Line

Defined by the federal government, indicating the income threshold below which individuals or families are considered poor.

Poverty in the US

As of 2012, the U.S. poverty rate was 15%, affecting approximately 46.5 million people, concentrated among certain racial and ethnic groups and linked to family structure.

Describes the movement between social classes, with significant sociological interest in the correlation between parents' social class and their children's eventual status.

Family Structure

Family composition significantly affects economic outcomes and social class dynamics.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Chapter 4 on Families and Social Class. This quiz covers important terminology and definitions such as two broad perspectives on class status and the division of labor in society. Test your knowledge and enhance your understanding of sociological concepts.