Social Structure Capitalism: the means of production (land, money, equipment) are privately owned Corporate capitalism: the economy is dominated by large, powerful corporations

n many workers are employed by corporations Dilbert no such thing as “ a job for life ”

Social Inequality Richest 20% USA (1997): 46.4% income Poorest 20%5.2% income Richest 20% UK (1995): 43.2% income Poorest 20%6.1% income

Poverty 13% of families in USA below the “ poverty line ” (1999) n many are African-American, Hispanic, or Native American

Social Classes Upper class: inherited wealth, or successful business owners or managers Middle class: “ white collar ” workers (educated professionals) Lower class (working class): “ blue collar ” workers (manual labour)

Middle Class n more that 50% of Americans n mainstream America n largest consumer group n largest voting group

Class in Britain n a long history of class n aristocratic families n a strong awareness of class

Class in USA n most immigrants were poor n belief that anyone can be successful belief that class “ doesn ’ t exist ” n but it does!

Class in Australia n similar to USA “ the Aussie battler ” (respect for the working class)

Family n basic social unit: nuclear family (parents and children) n can easily move (to find work)

Moving Out n many people want to leave home as soon as they can afford to n in America it is common for students to study at a college in a different city

Households n nuclear family n extended family n young couple n older couple (children grown up) n single n shared