What is the significance of studying the history of class?
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Studying the history of class helps us understand social structures, inequalities, and the evolution of societal norms and values over time.
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What is the significance of studying the history of class?
Studying the history of class helps us understand social structures, inequalities, and the evolution of societal norms and values over time.
How does networking influence success in middle-class society?
Knowing the right people can lead to economic success.
What does social mobility refer to?
Individuals moving up or down in terms of their class level.
What is a key takeaway from the Rich Mate Poor Mate series?
Understanding the differences in financial habits between the wealthy and the poor.
What percentage of Bachelor's degree recipients came from the lowest family income quartile in 1988?
8%.
What factors contribute to the changing patterns in society?
Economic shifts, technological advancements, cultural changes, and political movements.
What is the focus of the agenda regarding class?
The historical development and current issues related to class.
What are some contemporary issues related to class?
Economic inequality, social mobility, and class consciousness.
What is intragenerational mobility?
The degree to which a young worker can improve his or her class position within a single lifetime.
What is the definition of the upper class?
A social class typically characterized by significant wealth, high social status, and influence.
What is Dennis Gilbert's definition of class?
Groups of families more or less equal in rank and differentiated from others based on occupation, income, wealth, and prestige.
Why is it important to study the 'Before Class' phase?
To understand the roots of class divisions and their implications on society.
What primarily drives mobility in the labor force?
Structural changes.
Which high-skilled jobs are mentioned as having fewer openings?
Biomedical engineers, systems analysts, and financial examiners.
What historical force is suggested to determine a society's political development?
Social class.
Which theorist is mentioned in relation to subsequent theories of class?
Max Weber.
What is class consciousness?
Self-awareness and self-understanding as members of a social class.
What is Walmart known for?
Being the world’s largest company based on sales.
What percentage of Bachelor's degree recipients came from the highest family income quartile in 2008?
54%.
What role does education play in contemporary class divisions?
Education often determines access to better job opportunities and higher income.
What was the median net worth in 2004?
About $82,000.
How do Walmart's sales compare to the gross domestic products of most countries?
Walmart has higher sales than the GDP of most of the world’s countries.
What role does history play in the development of class consciousness?
Historical events and struggles influence the awareness and identity of social classes.
What does prestige refer to?
Perceived social status.
What economic system is classism associated with?
Capitalism.
How does classism affect poor and working-class people?
It stigmatizes them and their cultures.
What was a significant outcome of the Industrial Revolution?
It transformed economies from agrarian to industrial.
How did the Industrial Revolution affect social classes?
It led to the emergence of a distinct working class and a wealthy industrial class.
What class issue is prevalent in Hong Kong?
High housing costs leading to economic disparity.
How does the middle class contribute to the economy?
By driving consumption and providing a skilled workforce.
What does income refer to in the context of class?
The money that a family has coming in during a certain period of time.
What role did urbanization play in the Industrial Revolution?
It concentrated labor in cities, facilitating industrial growth.
How do contemporary class divisions manifest in society?
Through disparities in wealth, access to resources, and social networks.
What is the primary focus of the concept of 'Before Class'?
Understanding the conditions and factors that shape social class before formal classification.
What is the modern concept of class primarily influenced by?
The social configuration after the Industrial Revolution.
Who is the key figure associated with Marxist theory of class?
Karl Marx.
What is the main focus of Marx's theory?
The conflict between the bourgeoisie (capitalists) and the proletariat (working class).
What is discrimination?
Actions that deny equal treatment to persons perceived to be members of some social category or group.
How does new technology affect job markets?
It creates new job opportunities while rendering some jobs obsolete.
What type of mobility do children experience in terms of wealth?
Both upward and downward mobility.
What was a major social impact of the Industrial Revolution?
It led to changes in labor conditions and the rise of labor movements.
What are the three dimensions of social stratification according to Weber?
Class, status, and party.
In which year did the top 5 percent of households receive 22.1% of aggregate income?
2000
What socio-cultural challenges do ethnic minorities face in Hong Kong?
Racial discrimination and exclusion from mainstream Chinese society.
What type of political system does the dominant class reinforce?
A political system that they create to maintain control over society.
What do most mainstream commentators argue about the United States' social structure?
That it is a middle-class society.
Is class considered a socially constructed concept?
Yes, class is often viewed as a socially constructed concept.
What is the definition of social class according to Britannica?
A group of people within a society who possess the same socioeconomic status.
How does the Rich Mate Poor Mate series aim to educate its audience?
By providing practical advice and real-life examples of financial success and failure.
What does the text suggest about contemporary divisions in society?
It introduces more theories of class.
What is a key belief in middle-class society regarding economic success?
The connection between hard work and economic success.
What is the impact of new technology on communication?
New technology enhances communication speed and accessibility.
What ranking does Walmart hold on the Fortune 500?
Number one.
How does class consciousness affect social and cultural life?
It shapes values, behaviors, and interactions within a class.
What is another term for the Lower Class?
Working Class.
What role does technology play in the changing patterns of society?
Technology can alter communication, work environments, and social interactions, impacting class structures.
What is the power of the dominant class?
The ability to control material production and the production of ideas.
What has capitalism become?
A global economic system.
What was the total percentage of Bachelor's degree recipients across all income quartiles in both 1988 and 2008?
100%.
What role does 'status' play in Weber's theory?
It refers to the social prestige or honor a group holds, which can influence their life chances.
What is the term Weber used to describe the social stratification system?
The 'three-component theory' which includes class, status, and party.
What percentage of total income does the poorest 20 percent represent?
3.4%.
What is the main theme of the Rich Mate Poor Mate series?
The series explores financial literacy and wealth-building strategies.
What is the basis for dividing social classes according to the text?
The mode of production.
What factors might influence social class before it is formally recognized?
Economic status, education, family background, and cultural influences.
What is a significant structural issue regarding jobs in the United States?
The types of jobs available, with high-skilled jobs displacing lower-skilled jobs.
What is class consciousness?
Awareness of one's social class and its interests.
What does Marxism emphasize in its analysis of class?
The relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
How does class consciousness manifest in Hong Kong?
Through protests and movements advocating for social justice and equality.
What factor, besides hard work, is considered important for success in middle-class society?
Having natural ability.
How does Max Weber define 'class'?
As a group of people who share a similar economic situation and have similar life chances.
What was the percentage of Bachelor's degree recipients from the third income quartile in 1988?
27%.
How do the government and capitalists use ethnic minorities politically in Hong Kong?
As scapegoats for the deterioration of living conditions of the lower classes.
How have class struggles influenced historical events?
Class struggles have been central to revolutions, labor movements, and social reforms throughout history.
What role does education play in the middle class?
It is often seen as a pathway to upward mobility and better job opportunities.
What is classism?
A system of oppression that stigmatizes poor and working-class people and their cultures.
What does classism involve?
Prejudice and discrimination based on socioeconomic level or class.
What questions are raised about the concept of class?
How did the concept of class evolve? How do we define one’s social class across cultures and times? On what basis?
What factors contribute to contemporary class divisions?
Income, education, occupation, and social status.
What is the primary characteristic of the middle class?
A socio-economic group typically characterized by moderate income, education, and occupational status.
What is the significance of class in historical contexts?
Class has shaped social structures, power dynamics, and economic systems throughout history.
What happens if a family's income is less than the poverty threshold?
They would be counted as among the poor.
How did class distinctions manifest in ancient societies?
Ancient societies often had clear hierarchies, with rulers, priests, and landowners at the top and laborers and slaves at the bottom.
How is wealth defined?
The assets that people own.
What are the primary characteristics of the Lower Class?
Typically includes individuals with low income, limited education, and often unstable employment.
What is class consciousness according to Marx?
The awareness of one's social class and its interests, which can lead to collective action against oppression.
How did Weber differentiate between class and status?
Class is based on economic factors, while status is based on social prestige and honor.
What does most mobility consist of?
Small steps between adjacent strata.
What is the purpose of warm-up questions in a class?
To engage students and prepare them for the lesson.
What is the 'poverty trap' in relation to the lower class?
A low-income situation that keeps individuals trapped in poverty.
What is the income range for the fourth 20 percent?
38,550.
What is a 'caste' system?
A rigid social stratification system where individuals are born into a specific social group.
What percentage of total income does the middle 20 percent represent?
14.6%.
How does the share of aggregate income for the top income quintiles in Europe compare to that in the U.S.?
It is a much lower figure in Europe than in the U.S.
How has class been perceived throughout history?
Class has evolved and been interpreted differently across various historical contexts.
What is intergenerational mobility?
A child’s class position relative to the child’s parents.
What constitutes a family's before-tax money income?
Wages, salaries, cash transfer payments like welfare, social security, and unemployment insurance.
How does the concept of 'Before Class' relate to social mobility?
It examines the barriers and opportunities that affect movement between social classes.
What percentage of households had a zero or negative net worth in 2004?
Almost 16 percent.
Why were ethnic minorities in Hong Kong first recruited into the labor market?
To release the middle-class female labor force and solve labor shortage problems.
What concept did Marx introduce to explain the relationship between labor and capital?
Surplus value, which refers to the difference between what workers are paid and the value of the goods they produce.
Who is Max Weber?
A German sociologist, philosopher, and political economist known for his contributions to social theory and research.
What role does education play in class issues in the U.S.?
Education is often a determinant of class status and future economic opportunities.
What is one of Max Weber's key concepts regarding social class?
Weber emphasized the importance of status and power in addition to economic class.
How can cultural changes influence the changing patterns of society?
Cultural shifts can redefine values, norms, and expectations, affecting social hierarchies and class relations.
How does the dominant class establish its influence?
By establishing a particular cultural style and a dominant political system.
What problem does globalization cause for working people in industrialized countries?
Real problems due to relatively high wages compared with workers in the developing world.
What challenges does the Lower Class face in society?
Economic inequality, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, and social stigma.
What characterizes the relations between the dominant and subordinate classes?
Antagonistic class relations leading to class conflicts and struggles.
What type of segregation is experienced by migrant groups in Hong Kong?
Spatial and economic segregation.
What is the stance of the 'Culture of Poverty' on welfare dependence?
It views dependence on welfare as a characteristic of the culture of poverty.
What economic condition forces women from lower-class families to enter the labor market?
Economic hardship.
What is class consciousness?
Awareness of one's social class and its implications.
What is class?
Class refers to a group of people within a society who share similar socio-economic status, often defined by factors such as income, education, and occupation.
What is more important in defining class: social definition or material essence?
The social definition of class is often considered more important than its material essence.
What does class mobility refer to?
An individual or a group of people who transcends (usually upwards) from their original class to another.
What is a significant class issue in the U.S.?
Income inequality and the widening wealth gap.
Who is Karl Marx?
A philosopher, economist, and revolutionary socialist known for his theories on capitalism and class struggle.
What does class formation refer to?
The emergence and construction of social classes.
What role does education play in middle-class ethos?
Having a good education is important for success.
What is the significance of class comparison?
It helps to understand the differences and similarities between various social classes.
How does the upper class influence society?
Through economic power, political connections, and cultural leadership.
What power does the capitalist class hold?
Power over other classes.
What role did the Industrial Revolution play in class formation?
The Industrial Revolution led to the emergence of a distinct working class and a capitalist class, altering traditional class structures.
What are the main classes in tribal society?
Tribal leaders and clan elders.
What percentage of the poorest adult children come from the poorest parental wealth quintile?
36%.
What characterizes ancient society in terms of class?
Slave owners and slaves.
What is the relationship between class and colonialism?
Colonialism often created new class structures in colonized societies, privileging certain groups over others.
What phenomenon is associated with workers losing their jobs due to globalization?
Displaced workers.
What percentage of adult children from the fourth parental wealth quintile are in the fourth adult children wealth quintile?
26%.
What percentage of Americans were categorized as working class according to the Pew Research Center (2008)?
34% to 45.6% depending on the source.
How does income inequality in the U.S. compare to that in Europe?
Income inequality in the U.S. is much greater than in Europe.
What does the term 'upper-middle class' refer to in the context of American social classes?
A social class that includes 10% to 19% of Americans based on various polls.
Which philosopher is known for his early contributions to class theory?
Karl Marx, who analyzed class struggle and economic relationships.
What type of content can viewers expect from the Rich Mate Poor Mate series?
Insights on personal finance, investment, and economic disparities.
What is the focus of contemporary class divisions?
The analysis of social stratification and economic inequality in modern society.
How does class impact social mobility in the U.S.?
Access to education and job opportunities is often limited by socioeconomic status.
How do contemporary class divisions affect social mobility?
They can create barriers or opportunities for individuals to move between classes.
What types of jobs are predicted to have more openings in the U.S.?
Home health aides, customer service representatives, and fast-food workers.
What factors can influence the stability of the middle class?
Economic conditions, education access, and job availability.
What did Marx believe would eventually happen to capitalism?
He believed it would lead to its own downfall and be replaced by socialism.
What role does education play in the upper class?
It often provides access to exclusive opportunities and reinforces social status.
What is the best chance of being wealthy?
Being born into a wealthy family.
How does the Lower Class typically experience social mobility?
They often face significant barriers to upward mobility.
What are the divisions of class according to Dennis Gilbert?
Capitalist class, upper middle, middle, working, working poor, and lower.
What does the 'blame-the-victim' explanation of poverty imply?
It implies that the lack of effort and personal attitudes are the main causes of poverty.
What role does 'party' play in Weber's theory?
Party refers to the political power and influence individuals or groups can exert.
What are the consequences of class conflicts?
Class challenges and revolutions, often triggered by changes in modes of production.
What is the primary focus of the study of social class?
Understanding the hierarchical distinctions in society based on economic, social, and cultural factors.
What percentage of aggregate income does the bottom income quintile account for in European industrialized countries?
7 - 10 percent.
What is the income range for the top 20 percent?
$100,001 and above.
Why is understanding class important in reality?
It helps address social inequalities and informs policies for social justice.
What does the term 'changing pattern of society' refer to?
The evolution and transformation of social structures and relationships over time.
What was the poverty threshold for a family of four in 2009?
$21,756.
What are common characteristics of the upper class?
Wealth accumulation, ownership of businesses or properties, and access to elite education and social networks.
What is the primary focus of Weberian theories of class?
The multidimensional nature of social stratification, including class, status, and party.
What was the share of income for the lowest 20 percent of households in 2009?
3.4%
What is a significant shift in class theory introduced by Max Weber?
The consideration of status and power alongside economic class.
What role does new technology play in education?
It facilitates online learning and access to information.
What is the impact of high-tech industries on job availability?
They are displacing lower-skilled, low-paying jobs.
What is a common perception of class in Hong Kong?
There is a strong emphasis on wealth and status, often leading to classism.
What advantage does coming from a wealthy family provide in middle-class society?
It can facilitate economic success.
What percentage of adult children from the richest parental wealth quintile are in the richest adult children wealth quintile?
36%.
What is the key factor in determining class according to Gilbert?
Income.
What are some characteristics of individuals living in the 'Culture of Poverty'?
Living in the present, feelings of powerlessness, broken families, and confused gender roles.
What is the ruling class in capitalist society?
Bourgeoisie, especially factory owners.
What percentage of Americans were classified as lower class in the National Opinion Research Center (2006)?
6% to 4.7% depending on the source.
How does the entry of women into the labor market affect wage levels?
It pushes down the wage level of already low-paid service jobs.
What is the income range for the top 5 percent?
$180,001 and above.
What technological advancements were prominent during the Industrial Revolution?
The steam engine, mechanized textile production, and iron-making techniques.
How do changing patterns of society affect social class?
They can lead to the emergence of new classes, changes in class mobility, and shifts in class consciousness.
How did the percentage of Bachelor's degree recipients from the second income quartile change from 1988 to 2008?
It decreased from 14% to 12%.
What happens to ethnic minorities in Hong Kong as post-industrialization proceeds?
They become competitors with the local working classes for low-paid jobs.
What percentage of households had a net worth of $500,000 or more in 2004?
12.8 percent.
What are the key factors contributing to Walmart's success?
High volume and low labor costs, resulting in low prices.
What factors contribute to the social and cultural life of a class?
Economic status, education, and shared experiences.
What is the 'Culture of Poverty' concept?
It suggests that poverty is caused by the attitudes and behaviors of poor people themselves.
What is a potential downside of new technology in society?
It can lead to increased surveillance and privacy concerns.
What do most Americans believe is key to upward mobility?
Higher education.
What role does education play in the Lower Class?
Limited access to quality education can perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
What is meant by 'order' in the context of social classes?
The hierarchical arrangement of different social classes within society.
What is the income range for the middle 20 percent?
61,801.
How does the bottom income quintile's share of aggregate income in the U.S. compare to that in Europe?
It is a much lower figure in the U.S. compared to 7 - 10 percent in Europe.
What percentage of total income does the top 5 percent represent?
21.7%.
What does the concept of 'the Others' imply in class discussions?
It refers to groups that are marginalized or viewed as different from the dominant social class.
What percentage of aggregate household income did the highest 20 percent of households receive in 2000?
49.8%
How did the Industrial Revolution impact class structures?
It led to the emergence of new social classes and altered existing ones.
How can new technology contribute to economic inequality?
It can widen the gap between those with access to technology and those without.
What is an example of economic exploitation in the context of Walmart?
Walmart's business model can be seen as an example of economic exploitation.
What was the share of income for the lowest 20 percent of households in 1990?
3.8%
What is meant by 'party' in Weber's class theory?
It refers to the political power and influence a group can exert.
Who makes up the working class in capitalist society?
Proletariat.
What percentage of adult children from the middle parental wealth quintile are in the poorest adult children wealth quintile?
16%.
What cycle are most lower-class people in Hong Kong trapped in?
A low-income poverty vicious cycle.
What role does social class play in shaping identity?
It influences values, behaviors, and social interactions.
What is the primary focus of early theories of class?
The categorization of society into distinct social classes based on economic status and power.
What challenges does the middle class face in modern society?
Rising costs of living, job insecurity, and economic inequality.
How did the percentage of households with zero or negative net worth change from 1991 to 2004?
It increased from 12.6 percent in 1991 to 15.6 percent in 2004.
What are contemporary theories of class concerned with?
The complexities of class identity and social stratification.
What is the income range for the poorest 20 percent?
20,453.
In the second parental wealth quintile, what percentage of adult children are in the middle wealth quintile?
24%.
How does Weber's view of class differ from Marx's?
Weber emphasizes multiple dimensions of stratification rather than just economic factors.
What percentage of total income does the fourth 20 percent represent?
8.6%.
What does class struggle animate according to Marxist theory?
Political conflicts and major changes in the social structure.
What is the income range for the second 20 percent?
100,000.
What did early class theories often emphasize?
The relationship between the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers).
What is the relationship between the upper class and social mobility?
The upper class often has resources that can limit social mobility for others while maintaining their own status.
Why is understanding class consciousness important?
It helps in analyzing social dynamics and inequalities.
In feudal society, who are the ruling class?
Nobility (aristocracy).
What does 'class rank' refer to?
The position of an individual within a social class based on various factors like income, education, and occupation.
How does the 'Culture of Poverty' view the role of deviant behavior?
It suggests that there is a proclivity for deviant behavior among those in poverty.
What percentage of adult children from the second parental wealth quintile are in the richest adult children wealth quintile?
12%.
How does social class influence individual opportunities?
It affects access to resources, education, and social networks.
What percentage of total income does the top 20 percent represent?
50.3%.
What is a significant issue faced by the lower class in Hong Kong?
Income inequality.
How much of the aggregate household income did the highest 20 percent receive in 1980?
44.1%
What has declined in the United States affecting workers' rights?
Labor unions.
How does labor market segmentation affect upward mobility for lower classes?
It allows limited upward mobility chances due to global economic forces.
What is the primary class in communist society?
Proletariat.
What does the reinforcement of the low-income poverty cycle lead to?
It further entrenches the bondage of the low-income poverty cycle.
How did early theories of class view social mobility?
They often viewed it as limited due to the rigid structure of class systems.
According to the New York Times/CBS News Poll (2005), what percentage of Americans are considered middle class?
40% to 53% depending on the source.
How does Marxist theory define class?
As a social structure formed within a particular mode of production.
What external factors does the 'Culture of Poverty' dismiss as causes of poverty?
Economic recession, racial and gender discrimination, globalization, and actions of the capitalist class.
What percentage of aggregate income do the top income quintiles account for in Europe?
34 - 45 percent.
What role did economic factors play in early class theories?
Economic factors were seen as the primary determinants of social class and status.
What trend is being questioned regarding income inequality from 1970 to 2009?
Whether it is growing, shrinking, or staying the same.
What type of government exists in socialist society?
A government in the name of the proletariat.
What are some common indicators of social class?
Income, education, occupation, and wealth.
What percentage of total income does the second 20 percent represent?
23.2%.
