Exam 7: Class and Stratification in the United States

__________ occurs when people experience movement either up or down the class structure.

In 2009, the wealthiest 20 percent of households in the United States received approximately __________ percent of the total income pie.

In the late 1970s, sociologist Diana Pearce coined the term __________to refer to the trend in which women are disproportionately represented among individuals living in poverty.

Contemporary Marxian (or conflict) theorists examine class in terms of __________.

Erik Wright has written on Marx's view of social stratification. Discuss his criticisms of Marx. List and briefly define/explain his (i.e., Wright's) model of stratification based on the work of Marx.

When __________ behavior occurs between nonequals, it confirms the inequality of the relationship.

In the Marxian model of Erik Wright, business owners and craftspeople that may hire a small number of employees but largely do their own work would be considered __________ class.

Congress has not passed an increase in the federal minimum wage in 20 years.

In a caste system, people are allowed to marry only within their own group. This is termed __________.

The minimum wage_____________________________.

In Wright's Marxian model, the __________ is made up of a number of subgroups, including blue-collar workers, some of whom are highly skilled and well-paid and others of whom are unskilled and poorly paid.

__________ theorists view education as the "elevator" to social mobility. They see education as providing all students with opportunities, and they argue that students' abilities are now more important than their class, race, or gender in determining success.

About __________ of the U.S. population is included in the underclass.

The current economic situation makes it difficult to predict the future of stratification within the United States.

Becky's mother is an architect and her father is a college professor. Becky left home at age 16 to live with her boyfriend. When their relationship ended, Becky no longer communicated with her parents and did not return to high school. After working briefly at a fast food restaurant, Becky resorted to asking passersby at a local shopping area for money. Becky's story illustrates the concept of __________.

Theoretically, a class system is more open than a caste system.

Most people in the United States have their wealth invested in income-generating property.

The sociological term for the movement of individuals or groups from one level in a stratification system to another is __________.

Marx described workers as alienated for a variety of reasons, including that __________.

The term __________ include(s) property such as buildings, land, farms, houses, factories, and cars, as well as other assets such as bank accounts, corporate stocks, bonds, and insurance policies.