Question 1

Most people describe themselves as belonging to the middle class, but in reality, only about 30% of Americans are part of the middle class. Describe the typical occupations, lifestyles, and earnings of people from each of the major social classes of the United States. What do sociologists consider to be problematic about these measures?

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Question 2

Oscar Lewis's concept of a culture of poverty suggests that a fatalistic and resigned attitude exists among the poor, which leads them to accept their social status. Discuss some of the major criticisms of this controversial point of view.

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Question 3

Describe and analyze Pierre Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital in terms of microsociology and macrosociology. What elements of his theory are more like conflict theory? What elements are more like symbolic interactionism?

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Question 4

According to Max Weber, the traditional source of wealth, owning the means of production, is not the only factor in determining social status. How does Weber conceptualize power and prestige? Why does he argue that power and prestige, in addition to material wealth, are important factors in determining a person's social status?

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Question 5

Contrary to popular myth, most people living in poverty are employed. Explain how the current minimum wage contributes to someone being part of the working poor.

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Question 6

Not all systems of slavery were like the one found in the United States. In some countries, enslaved people were not kidnapped from a distant country, and owners had the same racial and ethnic backgrounds as the people they enslaved. Discuss how this type of slavery worked and how certain people were enslaved within a society.

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Question 7

Studies show that people from higher socioeconomic backgrounds tend to live longer and report feeling healthier than people from lower classes. What are some explanations for this phenomenon?

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Question 8

The American Dream is the pursuit of material and personal success as well as the idea that anyone can achieve such success. How does widespread belief in the American Dream and individualism actually serve to reinforce socioeconomic barriers?

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Question 9

Homogamy is the practice of choosing a romantic partner based on similarities in background and group membership. Why do so many people choose life partners with racial, religious, and class backgrounds similar to their own?

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Question 10

Explain two ways in which belonging to a particular social class has a profound effect on almost every aspect of a person's life.

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Question 11

Explain status inconsistency and give two examples of it.

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Question 12

Briefly explain the concept of social mobility. What is the current trend of social mobility in the United States today?

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Question 13

The feudal system, which is a closed social hierarchy, was dissolving and making way for a more open system when Karl Marx wrote about inequality. Why was Marx so worried about the new capitalist system that was emerging?

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Question 14

Half of all children grow up to have the same socioeconomic class as their parents. Discuss the ways in which Pierre Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital influences this phenomenon.

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Question 15

In what ways does the digital divide contribute to social inequality?

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Question 16

Residential segregation is the geographical isolation of the poor from the rest of a city's population. Explain how residential segregation is able to flourish in the United States and what characterizes a neighborhood that is segregated in this manner.

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Question 17

What do sociologists mean when they say that the homeless population of the United States is often "invisible"?

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Question 18

What observations might people make that contribute to their everyday class consciousness?

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Quiz 7: Social Class: the Structure of Inequality