1. Social Classes in America Chapter 8 Section 3

2. Class Consciousness. Class Consciousness: identification with the goals and interests of a social class. Relatively new concept to put people into different classes. Studying stratification (different layers) of classes in the United States.

3. Upper Class Only 1% of population “Aristocracy”- Old Money Ex. Hilton sisters, Ford family, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt. Also a Lower- upper class Wealthy because of achievement and earned income. Athletes, Stock market investors, entrepreneurs. May be better off but not accepted in exclusive social circles.

4. Middle Class Most think of themselves as middle class. Only 50-60% of our population. Within the Middle class: Upper-middle: 14% of pop. $80,000/year. Middle-middle 30% of pop. $45,000/year.

5. Working Class and Working Poor Working Class: 1/3 of population also referred as the lower-middle class. Below average income and unstable working environment. Working Poor: 13% of population, people employed in low-skill jobs with the lowest pay who do not earn enough to rise out of poverty. Ex. Manual labor, Fast food workers. $20,000/year.

6. Underclass 12% of population Underclass: people typically unemployed who came from families that have been poor for generations. Physical and mental disabilities are common. Lack of education and skills is most common characteristic.