Chapter 9 Social Class in the United States Key Terms

income Economic gain derived from wages, salaries, income transfers and ownership of property. wealth The value of all of a person's or family's economic assets, including income, personal property, and income‑producing property.

capitalist class (Bourgeoisie) Consists of those who privately own the means of production. working class (Proletariat) The class that must sell its labor power to the owners in order to earn enough money to survive.

alienation A feeling of powerlessness and estrangement from other people and from oneself. class conflict The struggle between the capitalist class and the working class.

prestige The respect or regard with which a person or status position is regarded by others. power The ability of people or groups to carry out their own goals despite opposition from others.

socioeconomic status (SES) A combined measure that attempts to classify individuals, families, or households in terms of factors such as income, occupation, and education to determine class location. pink collar occupations Relatively low‑paying, non-manual, semiskilled positions primarily held by women.

classism The belief that persons in the upper or privileged class are superior to those in the lower or working class, particularly in regard to values, behavior and lifestyle. absolute poverty Occurs when people do not have the means to secure the most basic necessities of life.

relative poverty Occurs when people may be able to afford basic necessities but still are unable to maintain an average standard of living. feminization of poverty The trend in which women are disproportionately represented among individuals living in poverty.

job deskilling Reduction in the proficiency needed to perform a specific job that leads to a corresponding reduction in the wages for that job. meritocracy Hierarchy in which all positions are rewarded based on people's ability and credentials.