Understanding Social Class in America

The video explores the concept of social class in America, highlighting the challenges in defining it. It discusses Marx's and Weber's perspectives and outlines the five social classes in the US: upper, upper middle, average middle, working, and lower class. The video delves into poverty, examining its causes, demographics, and the federal poverty level. It contrasts individual failings with structural barriers as explanations for poverty, referencing the Moynihan report and William Julius Wilson's work.

What is a key challenge sociologists face when defining social class?

• Identifying the richest individuals

• Classifying people based on age

• Agreeing on a universal definition

• Determining the exact number of classes

According to Marx, which group owns the means of production?

• Proletariat

• Bourgeoisie

• Middle class

• Working class

What distinguishes the upper-upper class from the rest of the upper class?

• Their educational background

• Their philanthropic activities

• Their inherited wealth

• Their political influence

Which income range typically defines the upper middle class?

• $250,000 to $500,000

• $25,000 to $50,000

• $115,000 to $250,000

• $50,000 to $115,000

What is a common characteristic of average middle class families?

• Living in high-poverty neighborhoods

• Having wealth primarily from inheritance

• Owning multiple luxury vehicles

• Owning homes with cumbersome mortgages

What is a defining feature of the working class?

• High political influence

• High levels of education

• Significant financial investments

• Manual labor jobs

What percentage of Americans fall into the lower class?

• 20%

• 10%

• 30%

• 40%

What is the federal poverty level for a family of four as of 2017?

• $18,000

• $40,000

• $24,600

• $30,000

What is the term for higher poverty rates among women?

• Gender poverty gap

• Feminization of poverty

• Single mother poverty

• Maternal poverty

Which sociologist argued that cultural factors contribute to poverty in the Black community?

• Karl Marx

• William Julius Wilson

• Daniel Patrick Moynihan

• Max Weber