Underclass Theory and Poverty in the U.S.

Study Notes

Underclass Theory and Culture of Poverty

The culture of poverty suggests that poor individuals adapt distinct lifestyle practices from the middle class as a survival mechanism.
Underclass theory posits that the poor are not only economically disadvantaged but increasingly seen as deviant and potentially dangerous.
Both theories illustrate a connection between poverty and crime, indicating that deviant behaviors may arise from survival strategies in economically challenging environments.
William Julius Wilson counters that underlying issues like deindustrialization, globalization, discrimination, and gentrification drive deviant behaviors rather than cultural adaptations.

Extent of Poverty in the U.S.

The U.S. has one of the highest poverty rates among advanced democracies, contrasting sharply with nations like France and Sweden.
Socioeconomic positioning of the U.S. demonstrates unique challenges, standing apart from both developed and developing countries.
Racial factors play a historical role in U.S. poverty, tracing back to African slavery and ongoing systemic barriers that prevent full participation in society.
Authority transitioned from federal to state and local, weakening the safety net and disproportionately affecting minorities.

Poor Health Risks in the U.S.

Individuals with fewer resources face increased health risks due to limited access to nutritious food, fitness facilities, and healthcare services.
The Whitehall study links lower social rank in class hierarchy to negative health outcomes, connecting stress hormones and poor health behaviors like overeating and smoking.

Postnatal Health Inequalities

Factors influencing postnatal health disparities include race, socioeconomic status, gender, marital status, and family structure.
Life expectancy varies significantly; African Americans typically have shorter life spans than whites, and higher socioeconomic status correlates with longer life.
Married individuals generally live longer than singles, and women outlive men in the U.S.
Closer spacing of births in families is associated with higher mortality rates among infants.

Family Arrangements

The nuclear family consists of two adults in a sexual relationship and their biological or adopted children.
Extended families involve relatives beyond the nuclear family.
Cohabitation refers to couples living together without formal marriage.
Kinship networks include relationships formed by blood or marriage.
Sociological research emphasizes diversity in family forms, suggesting no single arrangement is superior as family dynamics vary based on numerous factors.

Inequality Starts at Home

Family size and resources influence parental relationships with children, leading to disparities among siblings.
Birth order and perceived abilities further affect sibling dynamics, contributing to status hierarchies that foster inequality at home.

Mainstreaming in Special Education

Advocates support mainstreaming of special education students to enhance social skills and learning outcomes.
This approach challenges the tracking system in schools, which often segregates students by perceived ability, potentially hindering progress.

Credentialism and Job Market

Credentialism highlights the increasing importance of educational qualifications for job attainment, often benefiting more affluent individuals.
Employers tend to favor candidates with higher education, creating barriers for less privileged groups in the job market.

Internet and Technology's Impact on Work-Life Balance

Advancements in internet and mobile technology allow for remote work, increasing job flexibility and accessibility.
Employers expect more from employees, blurring the lines between work and personal life, and enhancing productivity through efficient research capabilities.

Capitalism: Arguments For and Against

Capitalism is characterized by private ownership of property and goods, with market dynamics influencing production and prices.
Proponents cite technological innovation and competition as benefits that drive societal advancement and economic sustainability.
Critics argue that unchecked competition leads to economic instability, excessive automation, and a resistance to necessary change, reflecting concerns about capitalism's long-term viability.

Description

Explore the concepts of underclass theory and culture of poverty as they relate to socioeconomic challenges in the U.S. This quiz delves into issues like deindustrialization, globalization, and their connections to crime and deviance. Understand the unique standing of the U.S. in global poverty comparisons.