Study Notes on Social Class Structure in the U.S.

SOCIAL STRATIFICATION IN THE UNITED STATES

  • Definition: Social stratification is the ranking of groups based on access to social, economic, and political resources.

  • Social Class Overview: Classes outlined based on nationwide averages, excluding exceptions (e.g., celebrities, athletes).

  • Key Characteristics for Each Class:

    • % of population, salary/income levels, employment types, educational achievement, residence types, political activity, philanthropic contributions, health concerns, social stressors, and racial composition.

SOCIAL CLASS BREAKDOWN

The Super Rich

  • Population: Approximately 1%.

  • Income: Minimum $1 million/year; often exceeds $10 million/year.

  • Characteristics: Typically CEOs, college-educated, multiple properties, significant political involvement, philanthropic donations.

The Ultra Rich

  • Population: Subset of the super rich (1% of 1% = about 400 individuals).

  • Wealth: Combined worth exceeds $4.68 trillion; wealthier than 65% of U.S. population combined.

  • Income Growth: Earn approximately $12 million/minute.

The Upper Class

  • Population: About 5%.

  • Income: Starts around $600k, extends into millions.

  • Characteristics: CEOs, professionals, political activism, significant charitable donations.

Upper Middle Class

  • Population: Approximately 20%.

  • Income: Ranges from $150k to over $600k.

  • Characteristics: Mid-level professionals, college-educated, politically active.

Lower Middle Class

  • Population: About 40% (largest group).

  • Income: Ranges from $65k to $150k.

  • Characteristics: Diverse employment, focus on education, political involvement declining, health anxiety.

Working Class

  • Population: About 20%.

  • Income: Approximately $35k - $75k.

  • Characteristics: Service/manufacturing jobs, limited contributions to charities, significant social issues.

Lower Class

  • Population: About 15% with three subgroups:

    1. Lower Class: Max $35k, unstable jobs, limited education.

    2. Working Poor: Max $20k, often no college access.

    3. Underclass: Permanently unemployed.

EDUCATION AND POLITICAL ACTIVITY

  • Middle Class and Education: Education is viewed as essential for upward mobility.

  • Upper Classes: Use education primarily for networking; the super rich often send children to college for connections rather than necessity.

  • Political Engagement: Upper classes are politically active to protect resources, while lower classes often disengage due to perceived futility.

SOCIOECONOMIC OBSERVATIONS

  • Income Disparity: The wealth gap continues to grow; average U.S. salary is around $62,500/year.

  • Social Mobility: Many remain in the class they were born into despite the notion of upward mobility.

  • Social Stratification Effects: Affects life goals and expectations; it is a reflection of access to resources.