Chapter 4: Social Class Flashcards
Explain what is meant by “equality of opportunity” in the realm of sports.
In the context of sports, “equality of opportunity” refers to ensuring that every prospective participant has an unbiased chance to partake in the sport. Barriers related to various factors like class, gender, race, or physical ability should not hinder an individual’s ability to participate.
What are the two fundamental equalities deemed essential for a sport to be considered genuinely meritocratic?
for a sport to be genuinely meritocratic, it must have “equality of opportunity” and “equality of condition” as fundamental equalities.
Define the concept of “equality of condition” in the context of competitive sports.
“Equality of condition” in competitive sports signifies that every person engaging in the activity does so under the same circumstances or conditions, ensuring a level playing field for all participants.
Which sociological theories and figures are referenced in the content to elucidate the relationship between sports and societal inequality?
conflict theory and the ideas put forth by notable sociologists like Karl Marx and Max Weber as essential frameworks for understanding the correlation between sports and societal inequality.
How does sport play a role in familiarizing children with societal expectations and rewards? (hint: Merit-based system)
Sports serve as a way to teach kids about societal expectations and rewards, following a merit-based system. To succeed in sports, like in society, individuals must work hard, make sacrifices, and show dedication.
what does meritocratic mean?
In a meritocracy, your success is based on how good you are at something and how hard you work, rather than who you know or where you come from. If you do well and try hard, you’re more likely to do well in a meritocratic system.
What movement brought widespread attention to income inequality and the top 1% in 2011–2012?
The Occupy Movement in 2011–2012 brought widespread attention to income inequality and the top 1%.
How has the share of total national income for the richest group of Canadians changed over the past 30 years according to Block (2017)?
The richest group of Canadians has increased its share of the total national income over the past 30 years, while middle and poorest income groups have lost some of theirs.
What is the Gini index, and how does it indicate income inequality?
The Gini index is a measure of income inequality that ranges from 0 to 1. A higher index indicates greater income inequality, with 1 meaning one person has all the income, and 0 indicating everyone has exactly the same income.
What is illustrated regarding income growth in Canada between 1982 and the present?
The income for different groups of earners increased, but the rich got much richer compared to others.
How is income disparity depicted between Canada’s top 1% and other income earners over the years?
In Canada, the richest 1% have been getting a bigger share of the total income since the late 1970s, significantly surpassing the earnings of the rest of the population. This trend continues today.
According to the most recent Statistics Canada data, what was the median income for the top 1% of Canadians in 2015?
In 2015, the median income for the top 1% of Canadians was $313,100.
What is the percentage of Canadians currently living below the low-income cut-off line, based on Statistics Canada data?
14% of Canadians currently live below the low-income cut-off line, often referred to as the poverty line.
What were the significant periods when the wage gap disparity in Canada widened?
The wage gap disparity in Canada widened during the economic recessions in the 1980s and 1990s, with younger workers being particularly affected.
How did the use of technology contribute to the growing wage gap in Canada?
The increasing use of computers and specialized skills raised wages for high-demand, well-educated workers but also led to outsourcing, reducing demand for low-paid Canadian workers and causing their wages to fall.
How did the minimum wage impact income disparities in Canada compared to European countries?
The minimum wage sets the lowest pay in a country. In Europe, where it’s higher compared to the average pay, the income gap is smaller than in Canada and the United States.
What effect did declining unionization have on wage inequality in Canada?
Declining unionization in Canada contributed to growing wage inequality. Union wages were higher than those of non-unionized workers, but declining unionization contributed to increasing wage disparities.
Which group of workers is most affected by the factors contributing to income inequality in Canada?
Young workers with little education and few marketable skills are most affected by the factors contributing to income inequality in Canada.
What were the key factors mentioned that continue to affect the divide between rich and poor in Canada?
Technological change, production outsourcing, reduced unionization, and more temporary workers have widened and will keep widening the wealth gap in Canada.
Which theoretical perspective inspired studies focusing on the relationship between sport participation and social inequality?
conflict theory, where class is viewed as a significant structural factor determining people’s life chances.
Who is closely linked to studying social class and inequality?
Karl Marx is closely connected to studying social class and inequality.
What did Karl Marx say he didn’t discover about modern society and classes?
he didn’t discover the existence of classes in modern society or the conflicts between them.
What did Karl Marx think significantly influenced a person’s opportunities in life concerning social inequality?
A person’s social class significantly influences their opportunities in life, particularly in the context of social inequality.
What does conflict theory emphasize in understanding society and inequalities?
Conflict theory highlights the role of conflicts and power struggles in understanding how society works and the resulting inequalities.
What fundamental questions about class did Marx try to address?
Marx sought to answer questions like “What constitutes a class?” and “What makes wage labourers, capitalists, and landlords the three major social classes in modern society based on the capitalist mode of production?”
What were the three key aspects of class according to Marx?
- The “objective” aspect, determining where individuals stand within the economic and power structure of society.
- The “subjective” aspect, involving class consciousness and the realization of common circumstances and interests among the class.
- The idea of class solidarity and class conflict, where classes, not individual autonomy, are major agents in history.
What is the “objective” aspect of class according to Marx?
Determines an individual’s position within the economic and power structure of society, and how they are distinct from other classes based on their economic conditions.
