Social class identities

Question 1

Define stratification

Answer 1

The division of a society into hierachy ordered layers or strata with the most priviledges at the top and the least at the bottom. The system of stratification currently existing in our capitalist society is based on class.

Question 2

Define The Registrar Generals Scale

Answer 2

Descriptive approach to measuring social class used from 1911-1990s based on occupational skill.

Question 3

Define NS SEC

Answer 3

People placed in a social class by using a scale or measurement device. National statistics socio economic classification descriptive approach due to similarity of qualifications.

Question 4

Define the objective defenitions of class

Answer 4

People placed in a social class by using a scale.

Question 5

Define subjective defenitions of class

Answer 5

Where people place themselves and how they define themselves.

Question 6

Define ascribed status

Answer 6

Position born into (royal family).

Question 7

Define achieved status

Answer 7

Position a person has worked to get (teacher).

Question 8

Define traditional working class

Answer 8

Dominant for most of the 20th century and still influential in some parts of the uk today.

Question 9

Define new working class

Answer 9

Seen to be replacing the tradititional working class as new types of jobs replace old manual ones, mainly found in south east.

Question 10

Define the underclass

Answer 10

The lowest social stratum in a country or a community. Very poor.

Question 11

Define the middle class

Answer 11

The social group between the upper and working classes, including profesionals and buisness people and there families.

Question 12

Define traditional upper class

Answer 12

Ascribed status, born into wealth and are raised in a way that allows them to understand and share the upper class values, traditions and cultural norms.

Question 13

Define the super rich

Answer 13

People who have enough walth to live off withought relying on their occupation

Question 14

Define jet set pop aristocracy

Answer 14

Form of government where a small, privilidged ruling class holds power.

Question 15

Define entrepeneurial rich

Answer 15

The provess of identifuing and developing economic and social opportunities, which can lead to the creation of new businesses.

Question 16

Define immediate gratification

Answer 16

Associated with traditional working class - a live for the moment attitude where individuals are unwilling to sacrifice anything for a better future.

Question 17

Define deffered gratification

Answer 17

When individuals are willing to sacrifice now for benefits in the future e.g working hard in education in order to be more socially mobile. The middle class and new working class.

Question 18

Define instrumental attitudes

Answer 18

Work is a means to an end, a way of gaining money.

Question 19

Define meritocratic

Answer 19

A fair society that gives people opportunities based on their ability.

Question 20

Define social mobility

Answer 20

The possibility to change social groups.

Question 21

Define popular culture

Answer 21

Set of practices, beliefs and objects that are widely shared and accepted into society at a given time.

Question 22

Define capitalism

Answer 22

Society based on a minority ruling class owning the means of production.

Question 23

Define crisis of masculinity

Answer 23

The changing gender norms and values in society, and men star to struggle.

Question 24

Define child centerdness

Answer 24

The idea that society and families have become more focused on the needs and interests of children.

Question 25

Define cultural capital

Answer 25

A persons social assets can help them achieve social mobility and sucess.

Question 26

Define social capital

Answer 26

Networking and socialising with others in a similar economic position to advantage them.

Question 27

Define economic capital

Answer 27

The amounts of money/ natural goods that a person/ group prosesses.

Question 28

Define yummy mummy

Answer 28

middle class mothers fixated on glamour, peer approval and the outcome of her children.

Question 29

Define conspicous consumption

Answer 29

Buying expensive goods to display and show off to indicate your wealth.

Question 30

Define social closure

Answer 30

The upper class practice this, joining in the lifestyle and culture of that class.

Question 31

Define old boy network

Answer 31

Networks of contacts used to further eachovers careers and inference. Networks forward with people sharing similar cultural characteristics often out of school.

Question 32

Define High culture

Answer 32

Culture enjoyed by the upper class- often paved by social closure.

Question 33

Define consumer culture (6 marks)

Answer 33

- Culture related to what we buy/consume in society. People often portray a sense of identity through what they buy/wear. The UK and Western societies have growing and large consumer cultures. - An example of consumer culture affecting identity is portrayed by Saunders. He suggests the media targets middle age as they are the group with the highest disposable income and they often defin etheir identity bu what they own and show this off. This is known as conspicous consumption. Another example of consumer cultyre is the existance of different forms of shopping are now available, large shopping centres and also interent shopping have become a lot more popular.