04.2 - Social Stratification and Mobility in the United States

What are the three main social classes identified by sociologists in the United States?

• Upper, middle, and lower class

• Rich, poor, and working class

• Elite, middle, and lower class

• High, medium, and low class

What is the primary factor used to distinguish social classes in the United States?

• Wealth

• Education

• Occupation

• Location

What is a characteristic of "old money" in U.S. society?

• Wealth earned and built by oneself

• Inherited wealth passed from one generation to the next

• Lack of social standing

• New-money social ties

How do members of the upper class influence U.S. society as media owners?

• By running small local newspapers

• By influencing the collective identity of the nation

• By avoiding political campaigns

• By focusing on lower-class issues

What is a common behavior of new-money members of the upper class?

• Attending the most exclusive schools

• Establishing old-money social ties

• Flaunting their wealth by buying sports cars and mansions

• Avoiding celebrity status

What is one characteristic of the upper-middle class according to the text?

• They typically hold technical, lower-level management positions.

• They tend to pursue careers, own homes, and travel on vacation.

• They generally don't have enough income to build significant savings.

• They often lose their jobs when companies need to save money.

What type of degrees do lower-middle class members tend to complete?

• Doctoral degrees

• Two-year associate's degrees

• High school diplomas

• Master's degrees

What is a common issue faced by the lower-middle class?

• They have significant savings.

• They have high job security.

• Their grip on class status is precarious.

• They have access to luxury vacations.

Who are often considered members of the working class according to the text?

• Bike messengers and bike delivery people

• Office workers and managers

• Teachers and professors

• Doctors and nurses

What is a common characteristic of working-class jobs?

• They require advanced degrees

• They are often hands-on and physically demanding

• They offer high salaries and benefits

• They are primarily office-based