Sociology 4035 STUDY QUESTIONS

Required Readings: Kerbo, chs. 6, 7, 8 and 9.

1. Inequality and social stratification in the Unites States have been shaped by two important processes, industrialization and bureaucratization, and by the capitalist tradition. Explain, giving special emphasis to the role of the state.
2. The objective factors behind class locations in the United States are found in the divisions within the occuational structure, the bureaucratic power structure, and the capitalist property structure. Outline the main divisions within each one, and show how they converge to divide people into upper, middle, working and lower classes.
3. Ruling class theorists, the most prominent of which is Domhoff, argue that it is possible to identify an upper class in the United States and that this class rules. How is the upper class defined and identified? What are the major arguments presented to support the notion that the upper class rules? Be specific and discuss in depth at least four supporting arguments.
4. Researchers critical of ruling class theorists argue that a corporate class can be located at the top of the U.S. stratification system and that this class rules. How is the corporate class defined and identified? Qhat are the major arguments presented to support the notion that the corporate class rules? Be specific and discuss at least four supporting arguments.
5. What does it matter if power is concentrated in the hands of a tiny upper class, a corporate class or a mix of the two? What are the effects of this power structure upon the lives of the rest of the population? Compare and contrast the views of functional elite theory, critical elite theory and pluralist theory.
6. Define the middle class and the working class, identify their locations in the occupational, bureaucratic, and property structures, and examine their main characteristics. While some social scientists consider that the middle classes are being proletarianized, others speak of the bourgeoisification of the proletariat. What do these processes mean? What evidence could you present to support both views? Given present changes in the
7. S. economy, which process would appear to be stronger? why?
8. Compare and contrast the effects of middle and working class position in terms of income distribution, working conditions, childhood socialization, political values and behavior. Would it be correct to state that these classes are politically powerless? Why? Give examples.