Sociology Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the ladder view of social class represent?

Social class is irrelevant

All classes are viewed equally

Richer people and their families climb higher than those with fewer resources (correct)

Everyone has equal access to resources

What does the box view of social class highlight?

The invisibility of social barriers

Equality in society

The shared positions of people in groups (correct)

Individual achievements over group positions

How do most sociologists conceptualize social class?

Categories, in which people share a common set of perspectives and circumstances

How do functionalists view social class?

As a continuum from lower to higher rungs on the economic ladder based on job type Signup and view all the answers

How do conflict theorists view social class?

As a division based on ownership and the relationship between capitalists and workers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of the functionalist and conflict views of social class?

They do not explain the complexities of social class dynamics within families. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of social class: life chances refer to?

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

What does the theory of social class: social capital involve?

Access to resources through relationships and connections in a social network Signup and view all the answers

What has been the changing trend of income inequality since the 1960s?

Increasing income inequality Signup and view all the answers

What is the Gini index?

A measure of inequality between 1 and 0 Signup and view all the answers

What is the change in the Gini index scores in the U.S. in the past 60 years?

Scores have overall increased, indicating rising inequality. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main reasons behind the increased income inequality since the 1960s?

Lowering of minimum wage, decline of blue-collar jobs, and deregulation of the finance industry Signup and view all the answers

What caused the dramatic increase in poverty during the 2000s?

A combination of increased income inequality and the economic crisis in 2008 Signup and view all the answers

How does Cohen view the relationship between poor families and family structure?

Poor family structure and poverty are closely related Signup and view all the answers

What three kinds of scarcities do those growing up with a single parent face?

Time, money, and social capital Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between social class and parenting?

Differences in social classes result in differences in parenting motives. Signup and view all the answers

What is concerted cultivation?

A style of parenting that fosters children's talents through organized activities Signup and view all the answers

What is accomplishment of natural growth?

Parenting style where success is viewed as a natural outcome with protection and care Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ladder View: Implies a hierarchy where wealthier individuals ascend higher based on resources.
Box View: Emphasizes shared positions within groups and barriers that hinder mobility between them.

Sociological Approaches

Conception of Class: Most sociologists classify social class into categories, focusing on shared circumstances.
Functionalist Perspective: Sees social class as a continuum; rewards differ based on job types, incentivizing talent for complex roles.
Conflict Theory View: Focuses on ownership as the main class division; capitalists and workers are defined in relation to each other.

Limitations of Views

Both perspectives fail to address the complexity of familial influences on social class, like spousal income affecting offspring's life chances.

Life Chances: Refers to the opportunities for achieving desired material and experiential outcomes.
Social Capital: Represents resources accessed through relationships; significantly affects class status, exemplified by parental support in education and employment.

Income Inequality Trends

Income Inequality Growth: Notable increase since the 1960s driven by various socio-economic factors.
Gini Index: Measures inequality from 0 (complete equality) to 1 (complete inequality). Recent U.S. scores have risen, indicating higher inequality levels (0.37 to 0.45).

Causes of Increased Inequality

Declining real minimum wage post-inflation.
Shift from blue-collar to higher-education jobs.
Deregulation and tax policy changes benefiting the wealthy, significantly boosting their income.

Impact of Economic Events

The 2008 financial crisis greatly exacerbated poverty levels, linked to rising income inequality.

Family Structure and Poverty

Cohen's view: A strong correlation exists between poverty and family structure, particularly highlighting single-mother households' vulnerability.

Scarcity Issues for Single Parents

Children in single-parent homes often confront scarcities in time, money, and social capital.

Variances in social class correlate with differing parenting motives and strategies.

Parenting Styles

Concerted Cultivation: Middle- and upper-class parenting style focused on deliberate skill development through organized activities, leading to a strong sense of entitlement in children.
Accomplishment of Natural Growth: Emphasizes natural development with less structure, promoting informal play and less assertiveness in navigating social institutions.

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Description

Explore key concepts of social class through flashcards that present the ladder and box views of social class. Understand how sociologists interpret social class through these differing perspectives. Test your knowledge with definitions and key questions.

Sociology Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the ladder view of social class represent?

What does the box view of social class highlight?