Podcast
Questions and Answers
What do most sociologists define social class as?
What do most sociologists define social class as?
Which factors affect how much power and prestige a person has?
Which factors affect how much power and prestige a person has?
__________ reflects an unequal distribution of resources.
__________ reflects an unequal distribution of resources.
Social stratification
In most cases, having more _______ means having more power or more opportunities.
In most cases, having more _______ means having more power or more opportunities.
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Categories that affect social standing include:
Categories that affect social standing include:
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In the United States, standing can also be defined by characteristics such as:
In the United States, standing can also be defined by characteristics such as:
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In the last century, the United States has seen a steady rise in its ________________, reflecting available wealth.
In the last century, the United States has seen a steady rise in its ________________, reflecting available wealth.
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What factors is the standard of living based on?
What factors is the standard of living based on?
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Because standard of living is closely related to ___________, it can represent factors such as the ability to afford a home, own a car, and take vacations.
Because standard of living is closely related to ___________, it can represent factors such as the ability to afford a home, own a car, and take vacations.
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In the United States, a small portion of the population has the means to achieve the ______ ________ ______.
In the United States, a small portion of the population has the means to achieve the ______ ________ ______.
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What percentage of the population holds one-third of our nation's wealth?
What percentage of the population holds one-third of our nation's wealth?
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Wealthy people receive the:
Wealthy people receive the:
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___________ also wield decision-making power.
___________ also wield decision-making power.
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________ who are single heads of household tend to have a lower income and lower standard of living than their married or male counterparts.
________ who are single heads of household tend to have a lower income and lower standard of living than their married or male counterparts.
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What is the truth about the wealth distribution in America?
What is the truth about the wealth distribution in America?
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This is a worldwide phenomenon known as the _____________________—which acknowledges that women disproportionately make up the majority of individuals in poverty across the globe.
This is a worldwide phenomenon known as the _____________________—which acknowledges that women disproportionately make up the majority of individuals in poverty across the globe.
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In the United States, as in most high-income nations, social stratifications and standards of living are in part based on ___________.
In the United States, as in most high-income nations, social stratifications and standards of living are in part based on ___________.
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Occupations also influence __________ ___________ through the relative levels of prestige they afford.
Occupations also influence __________ ___________ through the relative levels of prestige they afford.
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Employment in medicine, law, or engineering confers:
Employment in medicine, law, or engineering confers:
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Teachers and police officers are generally respected, though not considered particularly:
Teachers and police officers are generally respected, though not considered particularly:
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At the other end of the scale, some of the ___________ apply to positions like waitress, janitor, and bus driver.
At the other end of the scale, some of the ___________ apply to positions like waitress, janitor, and bus driver.
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The most significant threat to the relatively high standard of living we're accustomed to in the United States is the decline of the ______________.
The most significant threat to the relatively high standard of living we're accustomed to in the United States is the decline of the ______________.
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What has happened to the size, income, and wealth of the middle class since the 1970s?
What has happened to the size, income, and wealth of the middle class since the 1970s?
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What factors can help improve the economics of America?
What factors can help improve the economics of America?
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As a wealthy developed country, the United States has the resources to provide the basic necessities to those in need through a series of _____ and _________.
As a wealthy developed country, the United States has the resources to provide the basic necessities to those in need through a series of _____ and _________.
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What is the best-known program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture?
What is the best-known program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture?
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Study Notes
Social Class and Stratification
- Social class is defined as a grouping based on wealth, income, education, and occupation.
- Key factors influencing power and prestige include wealth, income, education, and occupation.
- Social stratification refers to the unequal distribution of resources within a society.
Economic Factors and Quality of Life
- Higher income typically means greater power and more opportunities in life.
- Standard of living reflects the wealth available to a socioeconomic class for maintaining lifestyle needs.
- Standard of living is influenced by income, employment, class, poverty rates, and housing affordability.
- Quality of life encompasses aspects such as the ability to afford housing, vehicles, and vacations.
Wealth Distribution in the U.S.
- A small fraction of the American population enjoys the highest standards of living.
- One percent of Americans hold one-third of the nation’s wealth (Kennickell 2009).
- Wealthy individuals often receive superior education, health care, and consumption opportunities.
- Wealth correlates with decision-making power within society.
Gender and Poverty
- Single women heads of household experience lower income and standards of living compared to married individuals or males.
- The "feminization of poverty" acknowledges that women are disproportionately represented among the global poor.
- Many Americans face financial struggles, highlighting a discrepancy between perceived and actual wealth distribution.
Occupational Impact on Stratification
- Social stratification and standards of living in high-income countries are influenced by occupation.
- Certain occupations, like those in medicine and law, confer high status and prestige, while others hold lower respect.
- The decline of the middle class poses a significant threat to the established standard of living in the U.S.
Economic Trends and Inequality
- The size, income, and wealth of the middle class have been declining since the 1970s.
- Corporate profits and CEO pay have surged, indicating rising economic inequality.
- Key factors impacting U.S. economics include the declining middle class, stagnant wages for most, and the feminization of poverty.
Social Welfare Programs
- The U.S. has the resources to provide basic necessities to those in need through federal and state social welfare programs.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a prominent federal program formerly known as food stamps.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts from Sociology Chapter 9.2 with these flashcards. This set focuses on social class, social stratification, and the factors that influence power and prestige in society. Dive into the definitions and explore the fundamental aspects of sociology.
