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Sociology - Social and Global Stratification

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    Study Guide Sociology – Social and Global Stratification 1. Types of Social Classes of People Social class refers to a group of people who share similar levels of wealth, power, and social status . Sociologists study social class to understand how people live, work, and interact in society. To identify social class, sociologists commonly use three methods : • Objective method: Looks at measurable facts, such as income, education, and occupation. • Subjective method: Asks people how they see themselves in society. • Reputational method: Asks people to classify others based on social standing. Using these methods, researchers estimate that in the United States today: • About 15 – 20% of people are in the lower class • Around 30 – 40% are in the working class • About 40 – 50% belong to the middle class • Only 1 – 3% are part of the upper class Let’s take a closer look at each group. 1.1 The Lower Class The lower class is often associated with poverty, unemployment, and homelessness . Many people in this group have not completed high school and struggle to meet basic needs. Common challenges include limited access to healthcare, safe housing, nutritious food, proper clothing, and job training .

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    Study Guide Unfortunately, the media often portray the lower class in negative and unfair ways. They may label people as part of an “underclass” and suggest harmful stereotypes, such as welfare abuse or criminal behavior. These portrayals are inaccurate and ignore the real structural barriers — like lack of opportunity and resources — that contribute to poverty. 1.2 The Working Class The working class includes people with minimal education who usually work in manual or hands - on jobs . These jobs often have little prestige and limited chances for advancement. • Unskilled workers — such as dishwashers, cashiers, maids, and waitresses — are often underpaid and may be referred to as the working poor . • Skilled workers , like carpenters, plumbers, and electricians, are known as blue - collar workers . They may earn more money than some middle - class workers, but their jobs are usually physically demanding and sometimes dangerous . 1.3 The Middle Class The middle class is often called the “sandwich class” because it sits between the working class and the upper class. Middle - class workers typically earn more than those below them but less than those at the top. This class is divided into two levels : • Lower middle class: Includes people with moderate education and income, such as teachers, secretaries, managers, and small business owners . • Upper middle class: Includes highly educated professionals with higher incomes, such as doctors, lawyers, CEOs, and stockbrokers . Most middle - class jobs are considered white - collar , meaning they involve office or professional work rather than manual labor.

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    Study Guide 1.4 The Upper Class The upper class makes up only 1 – 3% of the U.S. population, yet it owns more than 25% of the nation’s wealth . This group is extremely wealthy and highly influential. The upper class is divided into two groups: • Lower - upper class: People with “new money” , earned through businesses, investments, or other financial ventures. • Upper - upper class: Families with “old money” who have been wealthy for generations. Their wealth is inherited, and they often live off income from investments. The upper - upper class is usually seen as more prestigious because of its long family history of wealth. No matter how they got their money, people in both groups are exceptionally rich . They typically live in exclusive neighborhoods , belong to elite social clubs , and send their children to top private schools . Because of their wealth and connections, they hold significant power and influence , both nationally and around the world. 2. Social Mobility When sociologists study social class , an important question comes up: Can people move up or down in society? This movement is called social mobility , which means a change in a person’s social position within a society. The answer is yes , social mobility is possible — but how easy it is depends on the type of society . 2.1 Closed Societies and Caste Systems In a closed society , social mobility is very limited or not possible at all . These societies usually have a caste system . In a caste system:

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    Study Guide • A person’s social position is based on assignment , not achievement. • People are born into their caste or marry within it. • Changing castes is extremely rare . A modern example is India , where traditional caste divisions still exist. People born into the lowest caste, often called the “untouchables,” traditionally cannot move into higher castes. South Africa has also had a caste - like system in its social structure. 2.2 Open Societies and Class Systems In contrast, an open society has a class system , where social mobility is possible . In a class system: • Social position depends more on achieved status , such as education and job success. • It depends less on ascribed status , such as gender or family background. The United States is an example of an open society. Because education, skills, and careers matter, people are more likely to move between social classes. 2.3 Patterns of Social Mobility There are several different ways people can experience social mobility. 2.3.1 Horizontal Mobility Horizontal mobility means moving within the same social level . For example, a nurse who leaves one hospital to work as a nurse at another hospital has changed jobs but stayed in the same social class.

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    Study Guide 2.3.2 Vertical Mobility Vertical mobility involves moving up or down the social ladder. • Upward mobility: Gaining a higher status, such as receiving a promotion in the Army. • Downward mobility: Losing status, such as being demoted in rank. 2.3.3 Intragenerational Mobility Intragenerational mobility , also called career mobility , happens within a person’s lifetime . An example is someone who starts in an entry - level job and gradually moves up the corporate ladder. 2.3.4 Intergenerational Mobility Intergenerational mobility occurs across generations . For example, a person from a lower - class family who graduates from medical school has achieved upward mobility compared to their parents. Sociologists in the United States pay special attention to this type of mobility because it reflects the idea of the “American Dream” — the belief that hard work can lead to success and “rags - to - riches” opportunities. 2.4 Structural Mobility and Individual Mobility Sometimes, large changes in society allow many people to move up at the same time . This is called structural mobility . Examples include: • Industrialization • Increased access to education • Growth of computer technology in a post - industrial society

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