This lesson examines how sociologists describe social class in the United States, what distinguishes major class groups, and how class traits can shape—but do not determine—people’s lives.
Social class is not defined by one universally accepted formula. Sociologists and economists use different measures, including income, wealth, occupation, education, and control over one’s life. Income is money received over a period of time; wealth is the value of accumulated assets, such as savings, investments, and property, minus debts. Wealth matters especially because it can be passed to children and sustain advantages across generations.
All flashcards
How does a sociological approach to social class differ from an income-only approach?
It may consider wealth, occupation, education, and power or control as well as income.
What is downward mobility?
A move to a lower socioeconomic position, which may follow events such as job loss or illness.
What is relative poverty?
Poverty defined by comparing a household’s resources with income levels in the broader society.
What is the feminization of poverty?
The disproportionate presence of women among people living in poverty and their comparatively lower living standards.
How do TANF and SNAP differ?
TANF provides cash assistance to eligible families with children and aims to support self-sufficiency; SNAP helps eligible households obtain food.
Quiz questions
What is structural mobility?Answer: A broad societal change that moves many people upward or downward in the stratification system.
What distinguishes absolute poverty from relative poverty?Answer: Absolute poverty concerns inability to afford basic necessities; relative poverty compares resources with broader societal income levels.
Which description best fits TANF?Answer: It provides time-limited cash assistance to eligible families with children and aims to support economic self-sufficiency.
Which statement about SNAP is correct?Answer: It helps eligible households obtain food and is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Based on Introduction to Sociology 3e by Tonja R. Conerly, Kathleen Holmes, Asha Lal Tamang (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.