Class Divisions

Types & Patterns of Social Mobility Upward Mobility & Downward Mobility Ability to change social class

Types & Patterns of Social Mobility Intergenerational Mobility Class change from one generation to the next

Types & Patterns of Social Mobility Horizontal Mobility Change in social status that may not necessarily be higher or lower

How open is the US System? Mobility in the US How open is the US System?

Mobility in the US What is the key to success? What role does money play? Does everyone believe in the American dream? (80% whites, 60% blacks)

Class Structure in the US Social Classes – five socioeconomic classes in the US Lower class Live below the poverty line (defined as income of $20,000 for a family of four in 2006), often chronically unemployed

Class Structure in the US Social Classes – five socioeconomic classes in the US Working Class Blue collar or manual labor, may live below the poverty line Pink collar

Class Structure in the US Social Classes – five socioeconomic classes in the US Lower-Middle Class Lower white collar jobs (police), small business owners

Class Structure in the US Social Classes – five socioeconomic classes in the US Upper-Middle class – professionals, most are college educated

Class Structure in the US Social Classes – five socioeconomic classes in the US Upper Class

Effects of Class Differences Health and Longevity The US spends more than any other nation on healthcare, yet life expectancy in the US ranks 25th. Some studies suggest this is due to a large disparity in income between classes Good health costs $. How does money impact one’s health? Opinions of US healthcare. Should it be free?

Effects of Class Differences Education There is a strong correlation between income and level of education Socialization process Ability to pay for good education

Effects of Class Differences Housing The quality of services (hospitals, shopping, education) available in lower class neighborhoods is often below that found in better neighborhoods

Effects of Class Differences Law Lower class individuals are more likely to be criminals, as well as victims of crime

Poverty Poverty Line Determines eligibility for welfare, food stamps, free lunch programs Why are some people poor? 45% of people in poverty are white

Poverty There are five factors strongly related to poverty Race & ethnicity Latinos & African Americans are most likely to be poor Female head of household Produce the greatest number of poor people than any other category

Poverty There are five factors strongly related to poverty Region of the Country Economic opportunities Age – the old are more likely to be poor Health, No Income People with disabilities 1/5 of disabled people live below poverty line