families and social class Flashcards
what does consensus theory say about social class?
social class as a latter; a pattern of unequal rewards creates incentives for people to seek the extensive training
social class is a continuum
what does conflict theory say about social class?
conflict theorists see inequality as the result of economic exploitation
life chances
Max Weber; the practical opportunity to achieve desired material conditions and personal experiences
social capital
the access of resources one has by virtue of relationships and connections within a social network
family networks
most families have connections only to those within the same class, and only a few marry across the tracks
american class structure: upper class
4% self-identify
- capitalist and corporate managerial class
- high standard of living, influence
american class structure: middle class
44% self-identify
- relatively stable jobs based on higher education or skills
- meet basic needs
american class structure: working class
43% self-identify
- less education and training than middle class
- less stability
distribution of wealth
bottom 50% = 3% SOW
next 40% = 29% SOW
90-99% = 37% SOW
1% = 19% SOW
top 0.1% = 13% SOW
the gini index
a measure of inequality in which 0 represents complete equality and 1 represents complete inequality
what is the US Gini index?
.45; more unequal than any other rich country, but less unequal than some poorer countries
what are the reasons for the increasing inequality in the US?
keeping the poor from improving their lot, divergent fortunes for the middle class, and the new superrich
the richest 1% now own how much of all income in the country
more than 13%
how does the government use social class?
set tax rates for progressive taxation, determine who gets government benefits
poverty line
the level of income below which the federal government defines a family or individual as poor
