Sociology Chapter 8: Social Class Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Define status.

Socially defined position in a group, organization, or in a society.

What is social stratification?

A relatively fixed, hierarchical arrangement in society, by which groups have different access to resources, power, and perceived social worth.

What is the estate system?

The ownership of property and the exercise of power are monopolized by an elite class.

What is the caste system?

A social structure in which classes are determined by heredity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the class system?

An achieved social status, based on personal achievement and acquisition of power and resources. Signup and view all the answers

According to Weber, how is stratification consequential?

Stratification is consequential since it is based on the opportunities that people have in common by virtue of belonging to a particular class. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'life chances' mean?

The opportunity of owning goods, having an income, and access to certain occupations. Signup and view all the answers

How do sociologists measure/analyze social class?

By looking at the habits and presentation of the individual in society; indicators include income, occupational prestige, and education. Signup and view all the answers

How are the different social classes defined?

Upper: owns major wealth; Upper-middle: high income professionals; Middle: varies widely; Lower-middle: working class; Lower: poor and displaced individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the urban underclass?

People likely to be permanently unemployed and without any means of economic support. Signup and view all the answers

What is status attainment?

The process by which people end up in a given position in the stratification system. Signup and view all the answers

What is social mobility and its types?

The ability or inability to change one's position in a hierarchy; upward mobility is moving higher, downward mobility is moving lower. Signup and view all the answers

What is conspicuous consumption?

The spending on luxury goods to publicly display economic power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the class structure of the United States?

A matter of personal achievement, yet inequality is a real and growing phenomenon. Signup and view all the answers

What is economic restructuring?

The decline in manufacturing jobs, transformation of the economy by technology, and globalization. Signup and view all the answers

How does economic restructuring contribute to inequality?

Manufacturing workers have no longer protection, high income, and benefits from their jobs. Signup and view all the answers

What is economic inequality?

It is composed of income inequality and wealth inequality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between income and wealth?

Income is measured year by year. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the decline of the American middle class?

The American middle class is declining as argued by Leicht and Fitzgerald. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Status: A socially defined position within a group or society, influencing individual roles and relationships.
Social Stratification: A hierarchical arrangement in society that affects access to resources, power, and social worth among different groups.

Systems of Stratification

Estate System: Characterized by property ownership and elite control over resources; exemplified by the Feudal System.
Caste System: A rigid social structure where social classes are defined by heredity; known as "ascribed status."
Class System: Based on individual achievement and the acquisition of power and resources, allowing for social mobility.

Weber's Perspective

Stratification Consequences: Opportunities linked to class membership affect access to goods, income, and resources; highlights commonalities shared by class members.

Life Chances

Definition: Opportunities related to the ownership of goods, income, and access to occupations, reflecting everyday quality of life.

Indicators of Class:
- Socioeconomic Status (SES) includes three measures: income, occupational prestige, and education.
- Class cannot be directly observed; it is inferred from individual habits and societal presentation.

Class Categories

Upper Class: Holds significant wealth and political power.
Upper-Middle Class: Comprises high-income earners, including business executives and professionals.
Middle Class: Ambiguously defined, often self-identified among many Americans.
Lower-Middle Class: Working class with blue-collar jobs and lower income.
Lower Class: Includes displaced individuals with limited education; significant representation among people of color and women.

Urban Underclass

A subset of the lower class, often permanently unemployed and lacking economic support.

Status Attainment

The process of achieving a social position, influenced by education, class origin, and occupation.

Definition: The ability or inability to shift one's position in the social hierarchy.
- Upward Mobility: Moving to a higher social class.
- Downward Mobility: Falling to a lower social class.

Conspicuous Consumption

The practice of purchasing luxury goods to display economic power, a concept introduced by Thorstein Veblen.

Class Structure of the U.S.

Growing inequality exists despite the belief in individual achievement as a pathway to success.

Economic Restructuring

Refers to the decline of manufacturing jobs, technological transformation of the economy, and globalization's effects on employment.

Inequality Implications

Economic restructuring results in reduced protections and benefits for manufacturing workers, leading to increased economic and social issues.

Economic Inequality

Composed of income inequality and wealth inequality; highlights disparities in financial resources among individuals and groups.

Income vs. Wealth

Income: Earnings measured on an annual basis; differs from wealth, which encompasses total assets.

Decline of the American Middle Class

Leicht and Fitzgerald argue that the American middle class is facing decline due to economic factors and changing societal structures, as discussed in "Middle Class Meltdown."

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts in Chapter 8 on Social Class and Social Stratification. Learn about important terms like status and social stratification to enhance your understanding of societal structures. Perfect for sociology students looking to review essential ideas.