1. Class Divisions

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

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

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

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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

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

12. 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?

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

14. 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

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

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

17. 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

18. 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