Sociology Chapter 7: Stratification and Inequality

Questions and Answers

A large majority of the homeless have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or mental health issues.

True

Only a few years ago the digital divide was a chasm, but by 2019 a number of these gaps had narrowed considerably.

True

How large is the American 'upper class' according to the U.S. Census Bureau?

5 percent

What is the single biggest reason why an increasing proportion of those in poverty are women?

Single women are more likely to be raising small children than single men. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the reasons why most Americans are more affluent than anyone in the past has ever been.

Technological advances Signup and view all the answers

In the long run, a college education pays for itself.

True Signup and view all the answers

Historically, American society has been characterized by high social mobility.

False Signup and view all the answers

Most Americans think of themselves as middle class.

True Signup and view all the answers

Identify each example as representative of either income or wealth.

A weekly paycheck Signup and view all the answers

Karl Marx defined groups of people as they relate to _____________.

the means of production Signup and view all the answers

Which statement illustrates relative poverty in the context of Tannika?

Tannika has shoes, but sees that her classmates have newer, more expensive shoes. Signup and view all the answers

Place the professions in order from highest to lowest social prestige score: ______.

architect, veterinarian, firefighter, machinist, day-care aide, door-to-door salesperson Signup and view all the answers

Sociological explanations of persistent poverty are of two broad types. An example of one that holds the poor themselves responsible would be:

Oscar Lewis's description of the culture of poverty Signup and view all the answers

Marxist theories/current application: The presidential campaigns of Bernie Sanders were inspired in part by __________.

Marxist ideas Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Homelessness in the United States

A significant portion of the homeless population struggles with drug or alcohol abuse and mental health issues.
The rising cost of housing contributes to increasing rates of homelessness.
The number of homeless families with children has increased in recent years.

Digital Divide

In 2019, gaps in internet use based on socioeconomic status narrowed.
The largest gap was between adults in households earning $75,000+ vs. $30,000 or less in 2000.
Notable gaps also exist between college graduates and those with only a high school education in smartphone ownership.
Young adults (ages 18-29) own more smartphones compared to older adults (65+).
A notable percentage of American adults over the age of 65 use the internet.

American Upper Class

Comprises about 5% of American adults according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Poverty and Gender

The increasing proportion of women in poverty is mainly due to single women raising small children more often than single men.

Affluence of Americans

Most Americans are more affluent due to technological advances and globalization of the labor force.
A strengthening social safety net and increasing socioeconomic equality are not factors contributing to greater affluence.

College Education

Pursuing a college education tends to yield long-term financial benefits, effectively paying for itself.

Historically, American society has not exhibited high levels of social mobility.

U.S. Middle Class

Majority of Americans self-identify as middle class.
The middle class is shrinking relative to the total U.S. population.
Middle class jobs can be either blue-collar or white-collar.
The middle class is not predominantly white.

Income vs. Wealth

Income includes regular earnings such as paychecks and pensions.
Wealth comprises assets like stocks, bonds, and the resale value of property.

Karl Marx's Classification

Marx categorized people based on their relationship to the means of production.
The bourgeoisie own factories and land.
The proletariat are those who sell their labor.

Relative Poverty

Tannika, a girl in poverty, experiences relative poverty by comparing her shoes to those of her wealthier classmates.

Ordered from highest to lowest prestige: architect, veterinarian, firefighter, machinist, day-care aide, and door-to-door salesperson.

Sociological Theories of Persistent Poverty

Explanations for sustained poverty fall into two categories: structural forces and accountability of the poor.
Oscar Lewis describes a "culture of poverty" which perpetuates hopelessness.
Charles Murray argues that some poor individuals prefer welfare over employment, a condition labeled as the dependency culture.

Theories of Class and Prestige

Marxist theories highlighted in Bernie Sanders' presidential campaigns emphasize inequality.
Weberian perspectives point to status and power held by individuals in an unequal society, despite low capital.
Functionalist theories relate to the high pay of computer science jobs and the challenging nature of relevant courses, reflecting disparities in educational achievements among graduates.

Description

Test your understanding of chapter 7 in Sociology, focusing on stratification, class, and inequality. This quiz will challenge your knowledge on homelessness in the United States and related core concepts. Engage with true and false statements to deepen your comprehension of social issues.