1. Lesson 8: Social Class and Inequality Introduction to Sociology

2. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 2 Lesson Outline  Understanding Social Stratification  Social stratification and inequality  Systems of stratification  Social classes in the United States  Theories of Social Class  Socioeconomic status and life chances  Social mobility  Defining poverty  Inequality and the ideology of the American Dream

3. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 3 Understanding Inequality  Inequality is the unequal access to scarce goods or resources. It is found in most, if not all, societies. It is a question of how unequal a society is. How unequal is the United States?

4. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 4 International Comparison of Poverty Rates among Wealthy Countries

5. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 5 Understanding Social Stratification Social stratification is the division of society into groups arranged in a social hierarchy based on access to wealth, power and prestige. Ex: slavery, caste and social class Where people rank in stratification system influences every part of their lives in profound ways. What food they eat, where they shop, clothes they wear, schools they attend, income they earn, how long (and quality of life) they live, occupation.

6. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 6 Social Stratification  Every society has some form of social stratification, but societies group people on different criteria (such as race, class, and gender).  Social stratification is a characteristic of society; it persists over generations, and it is maintained through beliefs (and ideologies) that are widely shared by members of society.  By definition inequality is unequal; this contradicts basic American values.  How are we ok with some having more than others?

7. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 7 Systems of Stratification (Cont’d)  Social class refers to a system of stratification based on access to resources such as wealth, property, power, education and prestige.  Sociologists often refer to it as socioeconomic status (or SES).  By the way, what ’ s the difference between income and wealth?

8. Poverty  Poverty is seen as a standard of living that is below the minimum level considered adequate by society. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 8

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10. 10 Poverty  In the United States, the federal poverty line (an absolute measure of annual income) is frequently used to determine who should be categorized as poor.  In 2005, about 37 million people (12.6% of the population) in the United States were considered poor. Recent estimates show this is now about 14% of the population; and the pop is larger now than in 2005.  Why are we so unaware of the poor?

11. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 11 Number of Poverty and Poverty Rate, 1959-2007

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13. Poverty Line  The poverty line is defined as the minimum annual income needed by a family to survive. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services the poverty line for a 1 person household is 11,770. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 13

14. Poverty Persons in Household Poverty Line 1$11,770 2$15,930 3$20,090 4$24,250 5$28,410 6$32,570 7$36,730 8$40,890 Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 14

15. Effects of Poverty  Life Expectancy- the average number of years a person born in a particular year can expect to live.  Does poverty effect life expectancy? Think about it Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 15

16. Effects of Poverty  Poorer Americans live at an increased risk of illness and have a shorter life expectancy. Why? Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 16

17. Life Expectancy by Country Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 17

18. Effects of Poverty  Life Chances- the likelihood that individuals have of sharing opportunities and benefits of society. Examples: Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 18

19. Government Reponses to Poverty  The government tries to reduce inequality through welfare programs, transfer payments, and subsidies.  Transfer payment- redistributing money by tax revenues to groups that need public assistance. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 19

20. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 20 Poverty  The culture of poverty refers to learned attitudes that can develop among poor communities and lead the poor to accept their fate rather than attempt to improve their situation.  What is missing from this theory?

21. Dimensions of Social Stratification  Wealth The value of everything a person owns and their income earned. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 21

22. Dimensions of Social Stratification  Power The ability to control the behaviors of others. One can gain power by force, special skills, tradition, or charisma. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 22

23. Dimensions of Social Stratification  Prestige The respect and courtesy you receive from others. Ex. Prestige can be based off of ones occupation or education level. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 23

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25. Explaining Stratification  Functionalist Theory Stratification is necessary in society. Why? Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 25

26. Functionalist View  Certain roles in society must be performed if the system is to be maintained.  Ex. Who is more important to society, a garbage man or a brain surgeon? Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 26

27. Functionalist View  The more important the role and the more skill needed to perform the role, the higher the reward.  Ex. Why would someone become a physician if the reward is they are paid like a teacher. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 27

28. Conflict Theory on Stratification  Think competition  Conflict theorists see competition over scarce resources as the cause of social stratification. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 28

29. Conflict Theory on Stratification  Various groups struggle over scarce resources for power. This competition is beneficial for society. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 29

30. Types of Stratification Systems Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 30

31. Types of Stratification Systems  Caste System Resources and social rewards are distributed on the basis of ascribed status. Ex. India Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 31

32. Types of Stratification Systems  Caste System Exogamy- Endogamy- Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 32

33. Types of Stratification Systems  Class System Distribution of scarce resources and rewards is determined on the basis of achieved statuses. Ex. United States Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 33

34. Types of Stratification Systems  Class System Bourgeoisie- Proletariat- Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 34

35. Types of Stratification Systems How are caste systems and class systems different? Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 35

36. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 36 Social Classes in the United States  The upper class (capitalist class): Wealthiest people in a class system Make up about 1% of the U.S. population Possess most of the wealth of the country The ratio of CEO pay to factory worker pay rose from 42:1 in 1960 to as high as 531:1 in 2000, at the height of the stock market bubble. It was at 411:1 in 2005 and 344:1 in 2007, according to research by United for a Fair Economy. By way of comparison, the same ratio is about 25:1 in Europe.

37. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 37 Social Classes in the United States  The upper-middle class: Professionals and managers Make up about 14% of the U.S. population Benefited the most from college  The middle class consists primarily of “ White collar ” workers Have a broad range of incomes Make up about 30% of the U.S. population

38. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 38 Social Classes in the United States  The working (lower-middle) class: “ Blue-collar ” or service industry workers Less likely to have college degrees Make up about 30% of the U.S. population

39. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 39 Social Classes in the United States  The lower class (the working poor): Many poor people who typically have lower levels of literacy than other classes Make up about 20% of the U.S. population

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41. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 41 CEOs' average pay, production workers' average pay, the S&P 500 Index, corporate profits, and the federal minimum wage, 1990-2005 (all figures adjusted for inflation)

42. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 42 Distribution of income in the United States, 1982-2006 Top 1 percentNext 19 percent Bottom 80 percent 198212.80%39.10%48.10% 198816.60%38.90%44.50% 199115.70%40.70%43.70% 199414.40%40.80%44.90% 199716.60%39.60%43.80% 200020.00%38.70%41.40% 200317.00%40.80%42.20% 200621.30%40.10%38.60% From Wolff (2010).

43. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 43 How unequal are we?

44. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 44 Distribution of Net Worth (assets – liabilities), 2001

45. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 45 How unequal are we?  The top-earning 20 percent of Americans -- those making more than $100,000 each year -- received 49.4 percent of all income generated in the U.S., compared with the 3.4 percent made by the bottom 20 percent of earners, those who fell below the poverty line, according to the new figures (late 2010).  That ratio of 14.5-to-1 was an increase from 13.6 in 2008 and nearly double a low of 7.69 in 1968.

46. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 46 How unequal are we?  At the top, the wealthiest 5 percent of Americans, who earn more than $180,000, added slightly to their annual incomes last year.  Families at the $50,000 median level slipped lower.  Lower-skilled adults ages 18 to 34 had the largest jumps in poverty last year.

47. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 47 Americans Vastly Underestimate Wealth Inequality  A recent report shows across ideological, economic and gender groups, Americans thought the richest 20% of our society controlled about 59 percent of the wealth, while the real number is closer to 84%.

48. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 48 Americans Vastly Underestimate Wealth Inequality

49. Social Mobility  Social mobility is the movement between or within social classes. Is there mobility in our class system? Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 49

50. Social Mobility  Horizontal Mobility Movement within a social class. Ex. A teacher leaves a job at this school and takes a job at another job. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 50

51. Social Mobility  Vertical Mobility Movement between social classes. Ex. A factory worker becomes a wealthy entrepreneur Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 51

52. Social Mobility  There are two types of vertical mobility  Intragenerational- Changes in a persons social position during their lifetime.  Intergenerational- differences between generations in the same family. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 52

53. Effects of Social Class  Research shows that most Americans reach a higher occupation status than their parents yet seldom move-up a social class. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 53

54. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 54 Theories of Social Class  Pierre Bourdieu argued each generation acquires cultural capital (tastes, habits, expectations, skills, knowledge, etc.) that help us to gain advantages in society  This cultural capital either helps or hinders us as we become adults.

55. Determining Social Class  Three Techniques 1.Reputational Method 2.Subjective Method 3.Objective Method Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 55

56. Determining Social Class Reputational Method Individuals in the community are asked to rank other community members based on what they know of their character and lifestyle. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 56

57. Determining Social Class Subjective Method Individuals determine their own rank Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 57

58. Determining Social Class Objective Method Sociologists define social class by income, occupation, and education. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 58

59. Annette Lareau’s “concerted cultivation’ and ‘natural growth’  Social reproduction (tendency for social classes to remain stable across generations)  Concerted cultivation – involves high levels of extracurricular activities (which prepare children for success in the middle class adult world, but requires time and money, usually by mom)  Accomplishment of natural growth - which emphasizes loving children and providing for them and giving children much more leisure time that is self-directed and unstructured. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 59

60. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 60 Theories of Social Class  Karl Marx believed that there were two main social classes in capitalist societies: Capitalists (or bourgeoisie), who owned the means of production Workers (or proletariat), who sold their labor for wages  He believed that the classes would remain divided and social inequality would grow. Has social inequality grown?

61. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 61 Theories of Social Class  Max Weber offered a similar model that also included cultural factors.  He argued that class status was made of three components: Wealth (or Privilege, inherited assets) Power Prestige

62. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 62 What does your living room/neighborhood say about you?

63. Concerted Cultivation Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 63

64. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 64 Theories of Social Class  Symbolic Interactionists examine the way we use status differences to categorize ourselves and others.  As Erving Goffman pointed out, our clothing, speech, gestures, possessions, friends, and activities provide information about our socioeconomic status.

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66. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 66 Socioeconomic Status and Life Chances  Belonging to a certain social class has profound consequences for individuals in all areas of life including: Education Employment medical care

67. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 67 Brain and Lung Cancer Statistics What’s different about how one gets which type of cancer? Lung cancer is strongly impacted by health behaviors whereas brain cancer is generally viewed as less predictable or preventable

68. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 68 Social Mobility  Social mobility is the movement of individuals or groups within the hierarchal system of social classes.  America technically has an open system (it is legal and permissible for people to move between classes) but there are structural patterns where people tend to stay very close to the class they were raised in.  If we have an open system, why do we see a lack of opportunities to move between classes?

69. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 69 Inequality and the Ideology of the American Dream  The ideology of the American Dream (that anyone can achieve material success if they work hard enough) explains and justifies our social system, but it has been criticized for legitimizing stratification by telling us that everyone has the same opportunity to get ahead. This Alger novel features a newsboy who rises to Newspaper editor. Are most Americans today likely to achieve upward mobility?

70. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 70 The Problem with the American Dream  It is predicated on a “meritocracy” (that hard work is justly rewarded).  This notion tells us that success or failure depends on the person, when in reality we know that there are structural advantages and disadvantages that also contribute to an individual ’ s success or failure.

71. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 71 Lesson Quiz  True or False: 1. Every society has some form of stratification. a. True b. False

72. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 72 Lesson Quiz  2. The tendency of social classes to remain relatively stable as social class status is passed down from one generation to the next is called: a. cultural capital. b. social prestige. c. social reproduction. d. class consciousness.

73. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 73 Lesson Quiz  3. Entrenched attitudes that can develop among poor communities and lead the poor to accept their fate is called: a. the culture of poverty. b. the just-world hypothesis. c. disenfranchisement. d. social welfare.

74. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 74 Lesson Quiz  4. Max Weber argued that there were several important components of social class. Which of the following is NOT one of the components? a. Prestige b. Power c. Wealth d. Morals

75. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 75 Take Away Points:  Inequality is intentional; moreover it is rising. The U.S. now has higher rates of inequality and poverty than other industrialized countries.  It is legitimated by the ideology of meritocracy and the American Dream.  Social class profoundly effects every facet of your life.

76. Introduction to Sociology: Social Class and Inequality 76 For Next Time:  Another status we are stratified by: race and ethnicity (also social constructions!)  Be sure to Read! (check your syllabus for assigned readings!)