Social Stratification in the U.S.: Videos & Practice Problems

The U.S. class system is stratified by income into upper, middle, working, and lower classes, each with distinct class traits influencing social perceptions. Social mobility, including upward, downward, structural, intragenerational, and intergenerational mobility, reflects changes in social status. Poverty, defined by absolute and relative measures, affects access to basic needs, with the feminization of poverty highlighting higher rates among women due to wage gaps and single parenthood. Sociological explanations of poverty contrast individualistic views, focusing on personal responsibility, with structural perspectives emphasizing societal barriers and unequal opportunity distribution.

Class System in the U.S.

The class system in the United States is a social stratification based primarily on income, though factors like wealth and power can also influence social class distinctions. Income remains a key determinant in categorizing society into different classes, each with distinct characteristics and social roles.

The upper class, comprising about 5% of the population, is divided into "old money" and "new money." Old money refers to families who have inherited wealth over generations, such as the Rockefellers and Kennedys, while new money includes individuals who have recently acquired wealth through business or other means. This class typically holds significant power in society, often controlling major sectors like business, education, media, and politics.

The middle class, making up approximately 40 to 45% of the population, is associated with white-collar jobs and a comfortable lifestyle that requires ongoing employment. Members of the middle class usually have higher education levels, own homes, and maintain some savings, reflecting economic stability and social mobility.

The working class, about 30 to 35% of the population, is linked to blue-collar jobs. While they can often sustain a mainstream lifestyle, they may face financial challenges, have limited savings, and experience less stable access to healthcare. Educational attainment tends to be lower compared to the middle class.

The lower class, constituting roughly 20% of the population, often struggles with low-wage employment or unemployment. This group frequently faces difficulties affording basic necessities such as housing, food, and healthcare, and typically has minimal education and little to no savings.

Social class is also reflected through class traits or class markers, which include behaviors, customs, and norms common within each class. These traits manifest in aspects like housing style, vehicle type, clothing, and language use. Although the prominence of class traits has diminished in recent decades, they still influence social perceptions and judgments.

Understanding the U.S. class system involves recognizing how income and social factors shape opportunities and lifestyles, as well as how societal roles and power dynamics are distributed across different classes.

Social Stratification in the U.S. Example 1

Social class is often linked to typical types of occupations, reflecting average trends within each group. The upper class is generally associated with "old money" or inherited wealth passed down through generations, which often means less reliance on traditional employment. The middle class is commonly connected to white-collar jobs, which include professional, managerial, or administrative work that typically requires higher education and offers stable income. The working class is usually linked to blue-collar occupations, involving manual labor or skilled trades that may be physically demanding. Finally, the lower class often faces higher rates of unemployment and economic hardship, with many individuals living near or below the federal poverty line. Understanding these associations helps clarify how socioeconomic status influences employment patterns and lifestyle opportunities.

The customs and behaviors associated with a social class are known as...

• A. Working class.
• B. Open system norms.
• C. Class traits.
• D. Class mobility.

Answer: (C)

Social Mobility

Social mobility refers to the ability to move between different social classes within a society, often observed in more open social hierarchies. This movement can be upward, where individuals improve their social standing, or downward, where they experience a decline. Upward mobility commonly occurs through achieving higher education, receiving job promotions, or marrying into a higher social class. Conversely, downward mobility may result from dropping out of school, losing employment, or experiencing life changes such as divorce, which can reduce household income and social status.

Structural mobility describes shifts in social class that affect entire groups or communities due to large-scale societal changes. These changes can be driven by technological revolutions, pandemics, or environmental events. For example, the post-World War II economic boom in the United States led to widespread upward structural mobility by creating numerous well-paying jobs and expanding the middle class. On the other hand, natural disasters like hurricanes can cause downward structural mobility by destroying homes and assets, thereby lowering the affected community’s social standing.

Intragenerational mobility focuses on changes in an individual’s social status within their own lifetime. For instance, a person who begins in a blue-collar job but advances to a managerial or executive position exemplifies upward intragenerational mobility. Intergenerational mobility, meanwhile, examines social mobility across generations, such as when children achieve higher education and social status than their parents, moving from working class to middle class.

Understanding these types of social mobility highlights the dynamic nature of social hierarchies and the various factors influencing an individual’s or group’s position within society. Education, employment opportunities, economic shifts, and life events all play critical roles in shaping social mobility patterns.

Social Stratification in the U.S. Example 2

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups within or between social classes. It can be categorized into two main types: intragenerational mobility and intergenerational mobility. Intragenerational mobility describes changes in social status that occur within a single person's lifetime, while intergenerational mobility refers to changes in social status between different generations, such as between parents and their children.

For example, if an individual like Luis, originally from a middle-class background, marries into a wealthy family and thereby elevates his social standing during his own lifetime, this is a clear case of intragenerational mobility. On the other hand, when someone like Kelsey, whose parents immigrated with limited financial resources, attains a higher social class through education and career achievements compared to her parents, this exemplifies intergenerational mobility, highlighting upward movement across generations.

Conversely, intragenerational mobility can also involve downward movement. Sean, who inherited wealth but lost it due to lifestyle choices, experiences a decline in social class within his own lifetime, illustrating downward intragenerational mobility. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how social status can change either within an individual's life or across family generations, emphasizing the dynamic nature of social stratification.

Which of the following is an example of structural mobility?

• A. Cory loses his job and has to move to a smaller apartment to make ends meet.
• B. A community is forced to relocate after a flood, resulting in the loss of their homes, jobs, and other assets.
• C. Jess gets promoted after years of dedicated work at the local bank.
• D. Anna changes careers but stays within the same pay grade.

Answer: (B)

Poverty

Poverty is defined as a condition where an individual lacks the necessary resources to meet basic standards of living, which include access to housing, healthcare, food, and education. These standards are influenced by the cost of living and the price of goods within a specific society. Poverty can be categorized into absolute and relative poverty. Absolute poverty refers to the inability to meet fundamental needs based on a fixed economic threshold, while relative poverty is determined by comparing an individual's resources to those of others in their community. For example, someone earning less than 50% of the median income in their society is considered to be living in relative poverty. Since standards of living vary globally, the definitions of absolute and relative poverty differ across societies.

In the context of the United States, poverty is often measured using the federal poverty level (FPL), which sets an income threshold to determine eligibility for government assistance programs. The FPL is based on absolute poverty and reflects the cost of living within U.S. society. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2022, approximately 11% of the U.S. population lived at or below the federal poverty level. Historically, this figure has ranged between 10% and 15% since the 1960s. For perspective, the 2022 federal poverty level was about \$16,000 annually for a single individual and \$32,000 for a family of four. Living on such an income in the U.S. generally corresponds to a very low standard of living.

Another important concept related to poverty in the U.S. is the feminization of poverty, which describes the trend of women experiencing higher poverty rates than men. This disparity is largely attributed to two factors: the gender pay gap and family structure. Women, on average, earn less than men and are more likely to work in lower-paying occupations. Additionally, women often head single-parent households, especially after separations or divorces, making it more challenging to support a family on a single income. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that since the 1960s, women have consistently experienced higher poverty rates than men, despite similar overall poverty trends influenced by broader societal factors.

Understanding poverty requires analyzing both economic thresholds and social dynamics, such as income distribution and family roles. These insights highlight the complexity of poverty and the importance of targeted policies to address its multifaceted nature.

Social Stratification in the U.S. Example 3

The feminization of poverty refers to the global trend where women experience poverty at higher rates than men. This phenomenon is influenced by several key factors, including the persistent gender pay gap, where women generally earn less than men across many societies. Additionally, women are more likely to be heads of single-parent households, which often means supporting a family on a single income. This economic strain significantly increases the risk of poverty for these families. Understanding the feminization of poverty highlights the intersection of gender inequality and economic hardship, emphasizing the need for policies that address wage disparities and support single-parent families to reduce poverty among women.

Anna and her family live in an apartment in a low-income neighborhood. Though they have enough money for heat and food, Anna can't afford many of the things her friends have, like new clothes, streaming services, and fieldtrips. Her family's income is below the median income in her city. Which concept best describes Anna's situation?

• A. Absolute poverty.
• B. Relative poverty.
• C. Intergenerational mobility.
• D. Extreme poverty.

Answer: (B)

Which of the following statements best distinguishes absolute poverty from relative poverty?

• A. Absolute poverty has remained stable since the 1950's, whereas relative poverty changes every year.
• B. Relative poverty exists in wealthy nations and absolute poverty only exists in developing nations.
• C. Absolute poverty indicates a lack of resources for basic survival, whereas relative poverty indicates lacking resources compared to others in the society.
• D. Relative poverty refers more to income inequality, whereas absolute poverty is related to structural mobility.

Answer: (C)

Explaining Poverty

Poverty is explained in sociology through two main perspectives: individualistic and structural explanations. The individualistic approach emphasizes personal responsibility, attitudes, and values of those living in poverty. It suggests that poverty results from individual choices, such as a lack of effort or poor decision-making. Anthropologist Oscar Lewis introduced the concept of a "poverty subculture," where prolonged exposure to poverty fosters attitudes like short-term thinking and fatalism, which can perpetuate the cycle of poverty. For example, individuals might spend money quickly rather than saving, believing they cannot escape poverty, which limits their ambition and motivation.

In contrast, structural explanations focus on societal forces that create barriers to escaping poverty. This perspective highlights the role of institutions such as the government and the economy in shaping opportunities. Sociologist William Julius Wilson argued that poverty is largely caused by a lack of good jobs and the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities. Those with more resources tend to have greater access to opportunities, while those in poverty face systemic obstacles that trap them in economic hardship. This view stresses that societal structures, rather than individual failings, are primarily responsible for persistent poverty.

These two explanations align with political ideologies in the United States. Individualistic explanations often correspond with conservative values, emphasizing self-reliance and personal effort to overcome poverty. Structural explanations align more with liberal perspectives, advocating for government intervention and social policies to address economic inequality and provide support to those in need.

Social Stratification in the U.S. Example 4

Understanding poverty involves distinguishing between individualistic and structuralist explanations. Individualistic explanations focus on personal traits or behaviors, suggesting that poverty results from factors like a lack of ambition or a cultural acceptance of poverty. For example, the idea that individuals raised on welfare have little motivation to improve their situation reflects an individualistic perspective, implying that personal attitudes or values contribute to poverty. Similarly, attributing poverty to a lack of ambition to provide for oneself emphasizes individual responsibility and personal shortcomings.

In contrast, structuralist explanations highlight systemic and societal factors that influence poverty. These include unequal access to resources, job opportunities, and social safety nets. For instance, the observation that many individuals receiving assistance struggle to find decent-paying work points to structural barriers within the labor market. Additionally, the continuation of poverty due to lack of access to jobs and social safety nets underscores how economic systems and government policies can perpetuate poverty cycles. Structuralist views emphasize that poverty is often a result of external conditions rather than individual failings.

By analyzing poverty through these lenses, it becomes clear that addressing poverty effectively requires understanding both personal and systemic factors. Recognizing the role of unequal opportunities and social structures helps in developing policies aimed at reducing poverty, while acknowledging individual behaviors can inform supportive programs that encourage self-sufficiency.

Which explanation of poverty focuses on access to opportunities (including employment and education)?

• A. Symbolic interactionist perspective.
• B. Individualistic explanation.
• C. Functionalist perspective.
• D. Structural explanation.

Answer: (D)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the main social classes in the U.S. and how are they defined by income?

The U.S. class system is typically divided into four main social classes based on income: upper, middle, working, and lower classes. The upper class, about 5% of the population, includes "old money" families with inherited wealth and "new money" individuals who recently earned their wealth. The middle class, the largest group at 40-45%, often holds white-collar jobs, has higher education, owns homes, and maintains some savings. The working class, about 30-35%, is associated with blue-collar jobs, lower education levels, and less financial stability. Finally, the lower class, roughly 20%, struggles with low-wage work or unemployment and often lacks access to basic necessities like housing and healthcare. Income is a major factor, but sociologists also consider wealth and power in defining these classes.

What is social mobility and what are its different types in the U.S. context?

Social mobility refers to the ability to move between social classes. In the U.S., it includes upward mobility (moving up the social hierarchy), downward mobility (moving down), structural mobility (large-scale shifts due to societal changes), intragenerational mobility (changes within an individual's lifetime), and intergenerational mobility (changes between parents and children). Upward mobility can occur through education, job promotions, or marriage, while downward mobility might result from job loss or divorce. Structural mobility happens when entire groups experience shifts, such as post-World War II economic growth creating a larger middle class. Understanding these types helps explain how individuals and groups experience changes in social status over time.

How is poverty defined in the U.S., and what is the feminization of poverty?

Poverty in the U.S. is defined as lacking resources to meet basic living standards like housing, food, healthcare, and education. It is measured by the federal poverty level, an income threshold determining eligibility for government assistance. For example, in 2022, the poverty line was about \$16,000 for an individual and \$32,000 for a family of four. Relative poverty compares an individual's resources to those around them, often defined as earning less than 50% of the median income. The feminization of poverty refers to the trend where women experience higher poverty rates than men, largely due to the gender pay gap and the prevalence of women as heads of single-parent households, which makes financial stability more challenging.

What are the individualistic and structural explanations of poverty in sociology?

Sociologists explain poverty through two main perspectives: individualistic and structural. Individualistic explanations focus on personal responsibility, attitudes, and behaviors, suggesting poverty results from poor choices or lack of effort. Oscar Lewis, for example, described a "poverty subculture" where individuals develop fatalistic attitudes and short-term thinking that perpetuate poverty. Structural explanations, on the other hand, emphasize societal factors like lack of good jobs, unequal opportunity distribution, and systemic barriers. William Julius Wilson argued that poverty is largely due to structural issues such as economic changes and limited access to resources. These perspectives often align with political views, with individualistic explanations linked to conservative values and structural explanations to liberal policies.

How do class traits influence social perceptions in the U.S.?

Class traits, also known as class markers, are behaviors, customs, and norms associated with different social classes. These include the type of housing, cars, clothing, and even vocabulary people use. In the U.S., these traits help others identify someone's social class and often lead to value judgments, whether consciously or unconsciously. Although class traits have declined in recent decades, they still influence social interactions and perceptions. For example, someone driving a luxury car or living in an upscale neighborhood may be perceived as upper class. Understanding class traits is important for analyzing how social stratification affects everyday life and social dynamics.