Class and Stratification in the United States Chapter 7 Class and Stratification in the United States

Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement of large social groups based on their control over basic resources Life chances (Weber) refers to the extent to which individuals have access to important societal resources such as food, clothing, shelter, education, and health care

What is the American Dream? the belief that if people work hard and play by the rules, they will have a chance to get ahead. based on the assumption that people in the United States have equality of opportunity regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, gender or religion.

Comparing Income and Wealth Income is the economic gain derived from wages, salaries, income transfers (governmental aid), and ownership of property Wealth is the value of all of a person’s or family’s economic assets, including income, personal property, and income-producing property M O N E Y

Advantages of Wealth high social prestige political influence improved opportunities greater safety for self and family high-quality health care enhanced life chances

Distribution of Income & Wealth M O N E Y is unevenly distributed in the United States is essential for acquiring goods and services Food Shelter Clothing Medical Care Legal Aid Education other things needed or desired . . .

Marx Capitalist (bourgeoisie) Working Class (proletariat) Alienation Class Conflict

WEALTH POWER PRESTIGE Weber’s Multidimensional Model of Social Class Placement WEALTH POWER PRESTIGE High Low Accumulation of assets and capital; transgenerational. Ability to make things happen despite opposition from others. Social respect and admiration as a result of social status

Weber Upper Class Upper-Middle Class Middle Class Working Class Upper-Upper (Old Money) Gilbert & Kahl Lower-Upper (New Money) Upper Class Upper-Middle Class Middle Class Working Class Working Poor Underclass Weber Blue Collar Pink Collar

Criteria for placement in the class structure Wright Criteria for placement in the class structure Ownership of the means of production Purchase of the labor of others (employing) Control of the labor of others (supervising) Sale of one’s own labor Capitalist Class Managerial Class Small-business Class Working Class

Poverty in the United States Absolute poverty Relative poverty

AGE Who Are the Poor? GENDER RACE/ ETHNICITY “feminization of poverty”

Functionalist Perspective: “Davis-Moore Thesis” Certain positions in society must be filled Some positions are more important Most important positions: (1) scarce talent, (2) extensive training, (or both) and (3) must be the most highly rewarded Most rewarded positions: (1) functionally unique and (2) reliance of other positions for expertise, direction, or financing meritocracy positions are rewarded based on ability and credentials

Conflict Perspective: Inequality is not a motivating force Maintenance of authority/position by powerful Stereotypes inferiorizing the poor Laws/norms support inequality

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective: Upper class perpetuates position through social cohesion small groups face-to-face interactions Social deference confirms the inequality of the relationship “Yes, ma’am”; “Yes, sir.” Reference to Women and Girls or “Gals” and Men as “Boys” Use of first name as opposed to title, i.e. Ms. Lopes Spatial demeanor – social position and proximity

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