Sociology: Social Class in the United States

What Is Social Class?

  • Social class is a division of society based on social and economic status.
  • Max Weber (critic of Karl Marx): Defines social class through three dimensions:
    • Property (Wealth): Refers to ownership of assets such as property.
    • Wealth is property minus debts.
    • Income is the flow of money received, usually on a regular basis.
    • Power: Ability to influence decision-making and control resources.
    • Prestige: Recognition and respect earned within society.

Updated Models of Social Class

  • Erik Wright’s modification of Marx’s model:

    1. Capitalists: Those who own production.
    2. Petty bourgeoisie: Small business owners.
    3. Managers: Individuals in charge of operations.
    4. Workers: Employees who do not own production.

  • Joseph Kahl and Dennis Gilbert Model:

    • Class structure based on education, occupation, and income:
    • Capitalist Class
    • Upper Middle Class
    • Lower Middle Class
    • Working Class
    • Working Poor
    • Underclass (homeless population)
U.S. Social Class Ladder
  • Structure:
    1. Capitalist Class: Prestigious education, top executives, wealth $1,000,000+ (1%)
    2. Upper Middle Class: College education, professionals, wealth $150,000+ (15%)
    3. Lower Middle Class: High school/college training, semiprofessionals, wealth ~$70,000 (34%)
    4. Working Class: High school diploma, service workers, wealth ~$38,000 (30%)
    5. Working Poor: Some high school, low-paying jobs, wealth ~$20,000 (15%)
    6. Underclass: Some education, often welfare-dependent, wealth <$12,000 (<5%)

Consequences of Social Class

  • Physical Health:

    • Poor individuals tend to die at younger ages.
    • Access to medical care and lifestyle choices play critical roles in health outcomes.

  • Mental Health:

    • Stress is correlated with poverty.
    • Control over life outcomes influences mental well-being.

  • Family Life:

    • Influences spouse choice, chances of divorce, and child-rearing methods.

  • Education:

    • Class significantly impacts education level and type of schooling (public vs. private).

  • Religion:

    • Different denominations and patterns of worship can be influenced by social class status.

  • Politics:

    • Affiliation and views often align with economic interests.
    • Class can determine political activism levels.

  • Crime and Justice:

    • There are disparities in crime rates, with social class affecting both crime commission and victimization chances.

Social Mobility

  • Defined as the ability to move up or down the social class system.

  • Types of Mobility:

    • Intergenerational Mobility: Change in social status between generations (upward/downward).
    • Structural Mobility: Changes in the social structure impacting large populations.
    • Exchange Mobility: Class system retains balance; individuals change class but totals remain consistent.

  • Impact on Women:

    • Women experience unique challenges and opportunities related to social mobility.
Example of Structural Mobility
  • Historical events (e.g., the stock market crashes of 1929 and 2008) drastically shifted social standings for many individuals, forcing them down the social ladder.
The Pain of Social Mobility
  • Upward social mobility can cause disconnect from one’s upbringing, leading to tensions within personal relationships and identities.