Exam 7: Social Class: the Structure of Inequality

Which of the following set of characteristics can be categorized as the average minimum-wage worker?

Going away to college is often the first time young adults make friends with people of substantially different class statuses. This sometimes leads to tension when the wealthier member of a friendship is oblivious to their friend's class status and suggests activities that are beyond the friend's means. This tension results from a lack of

What is one of the basic principles of social stratification?

A young girl from a poor family is sent to live with wealthy distant relatives. Her relatives expect her to take care of the household, cooking and cleaning instead of going to school. They do not pay her and threaten her when she attempts to return home. Her situation is an example of

Recent research by the Pew Research Center on attitudes about the government's responsibility to help those in poverty revealed that

The idea of the American Dream is MOST closely related to which of the following?

Contrary to popular myth, most people living in poverty are employed. Explain how the current minimum wage contributes to someone being part of the working poor.

What is the movement called that encourages people to work less, consume less, and generally "downshift" their lifestyles?

Sociologists often point out that systems of stratification in the United States systematically favor white men. People sometimes contest this by referencing wealthy and powerful black women like Oprah Winfrey or Toni Morrison. A valid counterpoint to this argument is that

In the 1960s, many sociologists noticed that economic obstacles alone were insufficient in explaining disparities in the educational attainment of children from different social classes. Which concept was introduced to explain these disparities?

How is Max Weber's idea of social class different from Karl Marx's?

In a six-to-three vote, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld an Indiana law that required residents to present photo identification before voting. Advocates of the law believe that it will help to prevent voter fraud. Opponents believe that the law contributes to ________ by targeting the poor, who are less likely to have photo identification.

What is the tendency to choose romantic partners based on similarities in background and group membership?

The school of social thought that insists all social structures, including systems of stratification, are built out of everyday interactions is called

It is often said that you can always tell a millionaire by her shoes. She may dress like a slob in every other respect, but someone from the upper class is bound to have expensive, custom-made footwear. Whether this is true or not, it helps demonstrate the way we

Explain the system of stratification that currently exists in the United States in two to three sentences.

________ is a form of stratification in which all positions are awarded on the basis of merit.

Which social class category is comprised of people who live in poverty conditions and typically earn $15,000 or less per year?

Priests, ministers, rabbis, imams, and clergy are often prestigious members of their communities, although they make very little money. Which social theorist first suggested that this is an important element of class status?

Greg J. Duncan and a team of researchers analyzed the effect of parental income on the academic achievement of children. What do you think Duncan found given what you have read about socioeconomic status and life chances?