Sociology Chapter 9.2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What do most sociologists define social class as?

Grouping based on similar social factors like wealth, income, education, and occupation (correct)

Grouping based on income

Grouping based on education

Grouping based on wealth

Which factors affect how much power and prestige a person has?

Education

Family background

Wealth and income

All of the above (correct)

__________ reflects an unequal distribution of resources.

Social stratification

In most cases, having more _______ means having more power or more opportunities.

money Signup and view all the answers

Categories that affect social standing include:

Family ancestry, race, ethnicity, age, and gender. Signup and view all the answers

In the United States, standing can also be defined by characteristics such as:

IQ, athletic abilities, appearance, personal skills, and achievements. Signup and view all the answers

In the last century, the United States has seen a steady rise in its ________________, reflecting available wealth.

standard of living Signup and view all the answers

What factors is the standard of living based on?

Income, employment, class, poverty rates, and housing affordability. Signup and view all the answers

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.

quality of life Signup and view all the answers

In the United States, a small portion of the population has the means to achieve the .

highest standard of living Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the population holds one-third of our nation's wealth?

One percent Signup and view all the answers

Wealthy people receive the:

Most schooling, have better health, and consume the most goods and services. Signup and view all the answers

___________ also wield decision-making power.

Wealthy people Signup and view all the answers

________ who are single heads of household tend to have a lower income and lower standard of living than their married or male counterparts.

Women Signup and view all the answers

What is the truth about the wealth distribution in America?

There isn't a lot of wealth and millions struggle to pay rent, buy food, find work, and afford medical care. Signup and view all the answers

This is a worldwide phenomenon known as the _____________________—which acknowledges that women disproportionately make up the majority of individuals in poverty across the globe.

feminization of poverty Signup and view all the answers

In the United States, as in most high-income nations, social stratifications and standards of living are in part based on ___________.

occupation Signup and view all the answers

Occupations also influence _ through the relative levels of prestige they afford.

social standing Signup and view all the answers

Employment in medicine, law, or engineering confers:

High status. Signup and view all the answers

Teachers and police officers are generally respected, though not considered particularly:

Prestigious. Signup and view all the answers

At the other end of the scale, some of the ___________ apply to positions like waitress, janitor, and bus driver.

lowest rankings Signup and view all the answers

The most significant threat to the relatively high standard of living we're accustomed to in the United States is the decline of the ______________.

middle class Signup and view all the answers

What has happened to the size, income, and wealth of the middle class since the 1970s?

Declining. Signup and view all the answers

What factors can help improve the economics of America?

Inequitable distribution of income and wealth, feminization of poverty, stagnant wages for most workers while executive pay and profits soar, declining middle class. Signup and view all the answers

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 _____.

Federal and state social welfare programs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best-known program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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.