Sociology Chapter 8: Poverty in America

Questions and Answers

Explain the relationship between stratification and social classes.

Social stratification is the ranking of people or groups according to their unequal access to scarce resources. Social class is a segment of society whose members hold similar accounts of resources, norms, and identifiable lifestyle.

Compare and contrast the three dimensions of stratification.

State the differences among the three major perspectives on social stratification.

The economic dimension includes laborers and divides into bourgeoisie and proletariat. The power dimension involves individuals or groups using power to enhance their own interests. The prestige dimension is defined by cultural recognition, respect, and admiration attached to social positions.

Identify the distinguishing characteristics of the major social classes in America - Upper Class.

Divided into upper-upper and upper-lower. The upper class consists of aristocracy, representing old money, and the lower-upper is based on achievement and earned income. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the distinguishing characteristics of the major social classes in America - Middle Class.

There are two classes: upper-middle and middle-middle. The upper-middle is successful in professions and business, while the middle-middle consists of small business owners and independent professionals. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the distinguishing characteristics of the major social classes in America - Working Class.

Includes lower-middle class members such as roofers, delivery truck drivers, and machine operators with below-average income and unstable employment. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the distinguishing characteristics of the major social classes in America - Working Poor.

Comprises people employed in low-skill, low-pay jobs with inconsistent employment and insufficient income to rise above the poverty line. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the distinguishing characteristics of the major social classes in America - Underclass.

Composed of individuals who are unemployed or come from families with a history of unemployment, often lacking education and skills. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the measurement and extent of poverty in the United States.

The U.S. government measures poverty by setting an annual income level; people below this level are considered poor. The extent of poverty is widespread. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss social mobility in the United States.

Social mobility is the movement of individuals or groups between social classes, including horizontal, vertical, and intergenerational mobility. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Bourgeoisie?

Class that owns the means of production. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Proletariat?

Class that labors without owning the means of production. Signup and view all the answers

What is Prestige?

Recognition, respect, and admiration attached to social positions. Signup and view all the answers

What is Absolute Poverty?

The absence of enough money to secure life's necessities. Signup and view all the answers

What is Relative Poverty?

A measure of poverty based on the economic disparity between those at the bottom of a society and the rest of society. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Feminization of Poverty?

A trend in U.S. society in which women and children make up an increasing proportion of the poor. Signup and view all the answers

What is Social Mobility?

The movement of individuals or groups between social classes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Horizontal Mobility?

A change in occupation within the same social class. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social stratification ranks individuals or groups based on unequal access to resources.
Social class represents segments of society with similar access to resources, norms, and lifestyles.

Dimensions of Stratification

Economic dimension divides society into laborers (proletariat) and owners (bourgeoisie).
Power dimension shows influence where powerful individuals enhance their interests at societal expense.
Prestige dimension is linked to recognition and respect associated with social positions in culture.

Upper Class: Split into upper-upper (old money, aristocracy) and lower-upper (achieved wealth through business); elite education and exclusive social circles.
Middle Class: Divided into upper-middle (successful professionals and business people) and middle-middle (small business owners, independent professionals).
Working Class: Includes lower-middle jobs like machine operators and salespeople, characterized by unstable employment and low income.
Working Poor: Individuals in low-skill, low-wage jobs struggling to meet basic needs; often lack political participation.
Underclass: Long-term unemployed individuals or families, often reliant on public assistance with limited skills and education.

Measurement and Poverty in America

The U.S. government measures poverty by annual income levels, categorizing individuals below this threshold as poor.
Poverty prevalence is widespread across the nation.

Refers to movement between social classes, which includes horizontal (change in occupation within the same class), vertical (upward or downward class shifts), and intergenerational mobility (changes across generations).
Americans generally have the freedom to achieve social mobility.

Poverty Concepts

Absolute Poverty: Inability to secure basic life's necessities.
Relative Poverty: Economic disparity measure compared to the broader society.
Feminization of Poverty: Increasing trend of women and children being a larger share of the impoverished population.

Key Classes

Bourgeoisie: Class that controls the means of production.
Proletariat: Labor class without ownership of production means.
Prestige: Social recognition and respect attributed to various positions within society.

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Explore the concepts of social stratification and class differentiation in this flashcard quiz. Delve into the relationships between stratification, social classes, and the dimensions of inequality. This quiz will enhance your understanding of the sociological aspects of poverty in America.