Explanations of Social Stratification Chapter 8 Section 2

Functionalist Perspective Stratification ensures that the most qualified people fill the most important positions Recognizes inequality as existing because some jobs are more important and require talent and training Monetary rewards and prestige awarded to those who make sacrifices required to get special training. Example: doctors earn more money and prestige than busboys

Conflict Theory & Stratification Inequality exists because some people are willing to exploit others False consciousness- adoption of the ideas of the dominant class by the less powerful class

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective People are socialized to accept the existing stratification structure People are taught that those on top have worked hard and used their abilities, whereas those on the bottom lack talent and the motivation to suceed Lower class = lower self esteem because of the messages they see all around them

Theoretical Perspective Research TopicExpected Result FunctionalismRelationship between job performance and pay Pay level increase with job performance Conflict TheoryRelationship between the social classes and the likelihood of being punished for a crime The chances of prosecution decrease as the level of social class increases Symbolic Interactionism Link between Social Class and Self- Esteem Self-esteem is higher among the upper class than the lower class

Social Classes in America Chapter 8 Section 3

Class Consciousness A sense of identification with the goals and interests of a social class Not as strong in the United States, which caused research into social classes to occur relatively late here

The Upper Class 1% of the population Can be divided: Upper-upper and lower- upper Upper-upper is the “old money,” go to the best private schools, members of most elite clubs, seldom marry outside of class

Lower-Upper Achievement and earned income rather than birth and inherited wealth May actually be better off financially than the upper-upper class, but are often not accepted into their social circles

The Middle Class 40-50% of Americans are middle class, though most people consider themselves to be Upper-middle class(14%): have been successful in business, politics or the military. Typically college educated, active in volunteer and political organizations

Middle-Middle Class Quite a mix: Owners of small businesses and and farms, independent professionals, clergy, teachers, firefighters, nurses, social workers, police officers, lower level managers 30%, many have only a high school education, but some have associate or bachelor’s degrees. Make around the national average income. Interested in political activities but less involved than the classes above them

The Working Class Lower-middle class: 1/3 of population Roofers, delivery truck drivers, machine operators, salespeople Below-average income and unstable employment, often lack health and retirement benefits Involved in unions

The Working Poor 13% population: people employed in low-skill jobs with the lowest pay who do not earn enough to rise out of poverty Tend not to belong to organizations or participate in political process

The Underclass 12% of population: people typically employed who came from families that have been poor for generations Often on public assistance, sometimes physical or mental disabilities, single mothers with no income Lack of skills to attain jobs