SOCIAL CLASS & MOBILITY CSI UNIT 5 2015 DEFINING SOCIAL CLASS Division of society based on economic & social status Individuals & groups classified based on esteem & privilege Based on economic success & wealth Socioeconomic status [SES] = social standing measured by education, income, and occupation How can you tell what class someone is in? A Nation of Tribes How Social Class Divides Us [9:28] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU5MtVM_zFs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU5MtVM_zFs DETERMINANTS OF SOCIAL CLASS ***NOT just money*** Occupation Prestige Education Wealth Income Components of Class Link:national/ _CLASS_GRAPHIC/in dex_01.htmlnational/ _CLASS_GRAPHIC/in dex_01.html Partner Activity: Rank these people, based on their occupations and perceived income & prestige, on the social ladder: Teacher Lawyer Doctor Secretary Waitress Bartender Retail store manager Walmart Greeter Farmer Drug Dealer (illegal) GILBERT & KAHL MODEL Developed 6-class model based on Weber Top = Capitalist Class Upper middle Class Lower Middle Class Working Class Working Poor Bottom = Underclass CAPITALIST CLASS 1% of population Typically millionaires Investors, heirs, top executives Attend prestigious universities Dont fear taxes or inflation 2 Types: Old Money = inherited wealth; longer rich & more prestige New Money = fortunes in business, stocks, inventions, entertainment, etc. UPPER MIDDLE CLASS 15% of population Typically earn $150,000+ Professionals (lawyers, physicians, architects) small business owners, upper managers College graduates LOWER MIDDLE CLASS 30% of population Typical Income $70,000 Teachers, nurses, skilled contractors, lower managers, etc. Usually college or technical training Comfortable lifestyle, but threatened by taxes & inflation Still feel hopeful to climb the social ladder WORKING CLASS 30% of population Typical Income $40,000 Blue & white collar workers retail sales, secretaries, factory workers, service industry, etc. Generally high school graduates; maybe some college Jobs less secure & closely supervised WORKING POOR 13% of population Typical Income $25,000 Minimum wage jobs Unskilled, low-paying jobs in retail & service industry Many high school dropouts Often need government assistance to stay afloat UNDERCLASS 12% of population Typical Income $15,000 Low-paying, menial, part-time, or temp. work Little education Little chance of climbing social ladder Crime Gangs Pregnancy Drugs Environment Often concentrated in cities CLASS & POVERTY LINE >>> NOT ONLY THE UNDERCLASSS PROBLEM We will return to the Poverty Line later in this unit Consider how expensive living is just by yourself: Rent, at least $6,000 per year (500/month) Groceries, at least $1,200 per year (100/month) Utilities, at least $2,400 per year (200/month) Transportation, at least $1,000 (