Soc714X Social Class

Identify one variable not connected to wealth or income that differentiates Americans by class. How would you explain these differences sociologically? In what ways, and to what extent, do lifestyle patterns by class position change over time?

Note: This is an in-class exercise.

How is the American economy changing as a result of globalization? How has this affected American workers? How has it affected American elites? How is this likely to change in the future?

Note: This is an in-class exercise.

I've extended the deadline for the community profile essay until Sunday, June 21.

How do racial inequality and class stratification reinforce each other? Think about the work we've been discussing: Lewis, Mills, Gans, and Wilson. What do these sociologists have to say about the intersection of race and class?

Note: This is an in-class exercise.

To do for this week (6/9-6/11):
* Read Gilbert, chapters 2 & 3.
* Read Lewis, Mills, Gans and Wilson in the reader.
* Post to this week's forums (on each forum, once to my questions and at least once to other students).
* Begin work on the community profile project.
* Begin thinking about a topic for your term paper, and meet with me during office hours or by email to discuss.

Apply Mills' explanation of the power elite to contemporary American society. How has the power elite changed since Mills wrote his book (in 1956). What evidence is there to suggest that America is controlled by a power elite? What evidence is there to dispute this?

Note: This is an in-class exercise.

Using the typology Gilbert discusses in chapter 1 (p. 10-11), select one concept (what Gilbert calls variables) and think of a sociological question you could ask about it. Consider how other important sociological concepts, such as gender or race, interact with social class. Explain what we learn about contemporary society in answering your question.

To do this week (6/2-6/4):
* Read chapter 1 in Gilbert. Read Davis & Moore and Tumin in the reader.

* Post to the first three forums.

* Take a look at the notes on the community profile.

Write a brief narrative of an early memory of your experience of class, such as when you first became aware of class differences. When did you incorporate a class status into your sense of self? (That is, at what point would you be able to answer the question, what class do you belong to?) We'll discuss the stories and see if we can identify sociologically meaningful patterns.

Note: This is an in-class exercise.