1. Social Classes in America
CH. 8 Section 3

2. Class Consciousness
Identification with the goals and interests of a social class
It was not until the 1920s that sociologists began to look at inequalities between groups

3. Class Consciousness (Cont.)
Early studies looked at case studies
Now there are attempts to look at America as a whole

4. The Classes Upper Class Upper Middle Class Middle Class
Working Class (Lower Middle Class)*
Working Poor (Lower Class)*
Underclass (Poverty)*

5. Upper Class Is the top 1% of the country
Most of the members inherited their money
There are few that obtain their wealth
Often are not accepted as “true” upper class

6. Upper Class Occupations
Investors, heirs, CEOs

7. Middle Classes Most Americans believe they are in the middle class
Are roughly 40-50% of the population

8. Upper-Middle Class
Upper-level managers, professionals, business owners of fairly large size

9. Middle Class True middle class is about 30% of nation
Large variety of jobs

10. Working Poor/Lower Class
10-13% of the nation
Hold low-skill jobs
Make just enough to be above the poverty level

11. Underclass/Poverty 10-12% of population
Come from families with a history of unemployment
Work in part-time menial jobs
Usually require public assistance