Sociology Chapter 7 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of social inequality?

Areas characterized by poor access to healthy and affordable food
Systematic ranking of different groups of people in a hierarchy of inequality
A job or profession
A high degree of disparity in income, wealth, power, prestige, and other resources (correct)

Which of the following describes social stratification?

Ability to exercise influence on political institutions
Systematic ranking of different groups of people in a hierarchy of inequality (correct)
A job or profession
Movement within the same generation

What defines a caste society?

A society where different social levels are closed, and individuals must remain at the social level of their birth throughout life.

What are class societies characterized by?

Societies containing social groups that have unequal access to economic resources, power, and prestige. Signup and view all the answers

What are social categories?

People who share a social characteristic without interacting or identifying with one another. Signup and view all the answers

How is social class defined?

A person's economic position in society associated with income, wealth, occupation, and political voice. Signup and view all the answers

What is income?

The amount of money a person or household earns in a given period of time. Signup and view all the answers

What does wealth (net worth) refer to?

The value of everything a person owns, minus the value of everything owed. Signup and view all the answers

What are net financial assets?

A measure of wealth that excludes illiquid personal assets such as home and car. Signup and view all the answers

What is an occupation?

A job or profession. Signup and view all the answers

What does status refer to in a social context?

Prestige associated with social position, based on occupation. Signup and view all the answers

What is political power?

The ability to exercise influence on political institutions and/or actors in order to realize personal or group interests. Signup and view all the answers

What are food deserts?

Areas characterized by poor access to healthy and affordable food. Signup and view all the answers

What is the official poverty line?

The dollar amount set by the government as the minimum necessary to meet the basic needs of a family. Signup and view all the answers

What are Life Chances, according to Weber?

Common/shared opportunities people have because they belong to a particular class. Signup and view all the answers

What is social mobility?

Upward or downward status movement of individuals or groups over time. Signup and view all the answers

What describes intergenerational mobility?

Movement between generations. Signup and view all the answers

How does functionalism explain social inequality?

It explains social inequality because people feel the need to do whatever they are capable of. Signup and view all the answers

What is conflict theory?

A theory that emphasizes that there will always be problems in society that never get solved. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cultural poverty argument?

Poverty is a way of life that is transferred from generation to generation. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Social inequality refers to significant disparities in wealth, income, power, and prestige among individuals and groups.
Social stratification is the hierarchical ranking of groups within a society, creating layers of inequality.

Societal Structures

Caste society enforces closed social levels, preventing movement beyond one's birth status.
Class societies allow for unequal access to economic resources and privileges, leading to class distinctions.

Economic Factors

Income is defined as the earnings of individuals or households during a specified timeframe.
Wealth, or net worth, encompasses all owned assets minus debts, and it tends to be more unevenly distributed than income.
Net financial assets assess individual wealth without considering less liquid assets.

Occupation and Status

Occupation signifies a person's job and can affect their socioeconomic standing.
Status refers to the prestige associated with one's social position, often linked to occupation.

Political Influence

Political power defines the ability to influence political entities to serve individual or group interests.

Poverty and Life Chances

Food deserts describe areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food.
The official poverty line is a government-determined income threshold to meet basic family needs.
Life chances, a concept by Weber, highlight the shared opportunities influenced by class position.

Social mobility represents both upward and downward movement within social hierarchies.
Myths, such as "rags to riches," often misrepresent actual paths of social mobility.
Intergenerational mobility occurs between different generations, while intragenerational mobility happens within the same generation.

Theoretical Perspectives

The conflict perspective emphasizes ongoing struggles in unequal access to resources between economic classes (bourgeoisie vs. proletariat).
Marx defined social class through owners of production versus exploited workers, while Weber focused on market position and wealth as class determinants.
Functionalism frames social inequality as a result of individuals fulfilling roles suitable for their capabilities.

Critiques and Realities of Poverty

The culture of poverty concept suggests that poverty behaviors are passed down through generations.
Criticism of culture poverty highlights that only a small fraction of the poor are chronically impoverished, with many able-bodied individuals engaged in the workforce.

Key Studies and Arguments

Thomas Shapiro's "The Hidden Cost" illustrates the racial wealth gap through comparative life stories.
Barbara Ehrenreich's "Nickeled and Dimed" critiques welfare reforms and their effects on helping poor individuals re-enter the workforce.

Media and Sociocultural Influence

"Mickey Mouse Monopoly" critiques Disney for perpetuating harmful gender roles.
"Race the Power of an Illusion" argues against the biological concepts of race, linking race to socio-political constructs.
"Where There is a Will...There Will Be a Living Wage" portrays struggles faced by individuals earning minimum wage.

Privilege and Identity

"Mirrors of Privilege" discusses the institutionalization of privilege and the reluctance of privileged individuals to acknowledge their advantages.
"A Girl Like Me" reveals the internalized racial biases of young African American girls through doll studies, showcasing early perceptions of beauty and worth.