Social Inequality and Social Class - Unit 6

Sociology 100 - Unit/Lesson 6, Social Inequality and Social Class

Functionalist

Class system fulfills roles, creates stability and order.

Conflict

Inequality is the outcome of struggles over scare resources. The rich are exploiting the poor, and this should be changed.

Subjective Method

Self determined.

Reputational Method

Determined by people familiar with the person.

Objective Method

Measurable things: like occupation, income, education (best method).

What are the measures of Social Class?

Education, occupation, prestige, income, and wealth.

Factors of the Upper Class

Income of over $500,000, usually hold high job positions, 2-1% of the population, have lavish homes, and use paid labor.

Factors of the Upper Middle Class

Income of $100,000-$50,000, usually doctors or dentists, 20-15% of the population, live in large single-family homes, and most labor is done by mothers.

Factors of the Lower Middle Class

Income of $100,000-$50,000, are usually lower-paid professionals or teachers, 30-25% of the population, live in small single-family homes, and most of the labor is done by the mothers.

Factors of the Working Class

Income of $75,000-$30,000: usually blue-collar workers or manual laborers; 30-25% of the population. Most of the labor is done by mothers or other extended family members.

Factors of the Lower Class

Income of less than $40,000, have minimum wage/part time jobs, 20-15% of the population, usually live in apartments or rentals, labor is done by anyone in the household.

What are the 5 myths of poverty?

1. The poor are too lazy to work

2. Most people of color were poor

3. Most of the poor are single mothers

4. The federal budget dedicates more money to poor people

Relative Poverty

Refers to comparisons between groups; similar nation or within an particular nation

Absolute Poverty

Refers to living conditions, access to food, drinking water, food care, poor people in America not experiencing this.