Development of Social Classes in American History

Prior to the advent of industrial capitalism, which two classes primarily existed in agrarian societies?

• Landed aristocracy and peasants

• Middle class and working class

• Merchants and industrialists

• Entrepreneurs and small business owners

Based on Alexis de Tocqueville’s observation, what was unique about the social state of America in the 1830s?

• There was a strict class hierarchy.

• There was greater equality in wealth and mental endowments among men.

• The aristocracy controlled most of the wealth.

• The merchant class was absent.

By the 1920s, what significant change had occurred in the United States workforce?

• The emergence of a large middle class made up mainly of salaried white-collar workers.

• A return to primarily agricultural jobs.

• A decrease in the number of white-collar jobs.

• The elimination of large corporate enterprises.

How does occupation influence a person’s social class, according to the text?

• It only determines economic power

• It defines parameters of social life, cultural style, and consumer preferences

• It is unrelated to social class

• It only affects residential patterns

Which of the following occupations is typically associated with the upper-middle class according to the text?

• Schoolteachers

• Corporate executives

• Factory workers

• Retail salespersons

According to Ehrenreich, what is a key characteristic of the two major subgroups of the upper-middle class?

• They have rigid, non-interchangeable skills

• They often move back and forth between categories

• They live in different neighborhoods

• They rarely intermarry

Which of the following best describes the educational emphasis among the upper-middle class?

• Minimal education is valued

• Emphasis on formal education for themselves and their children

• Only vocational training is encouraged

• Education is considered unnecessary

How does the upper-middle class typically differ from other classes in terms of consumer behavior?

• They avoid trendy consumer behavior

• They drive upscale cars and live in spacious suburban homes

• They prefer rural lifestyles

• They do not value material possessions

According to the passage, what is a key characteristic that distinguishes the upper-middle class from other classes?

• They perform mostly manual labor.

• They have little formal education.

• They hold key decision-making positions in various institutions.

• They generally avoid trendy consumer behavior.

Which statement best describes the political tendencies of the upper-middle class as mentioned in the text?

• They are generally conservative on social issues and liberal on economic issues.

• They are generally liberal on social issues and conservative on economic issues.

• They are not politically active.

• They vote less than other classes.