I. Definitions
A.
Social Stratification--"The hierarchical ranking of
people within
society on the basis of specific coveted resources, such as income and
wealth" (Seccombe, 2008: 166).
B.
Social Class--"A system of social stratification that is based on
both ascribed statuses and individual achievement" (Seccombe, 2008:
166); position in the stratification hierarchy based on income (Marx).
C.
Socioeconomic Status (SES)--"refers to the combined influence
of income, occupation, education, material possessions,
cultural tastes, and prestige on social ranking" (Bidwell &
Vander Mey, 1999: 152) (Weber)
D.
Social Status--"Groups of individuals who are accorded similar
levels of prestige within the community and who share similar
cultural tastes, interests, patterns of consumption and
lifestyles...have similar social status (Bidwell & Vander Mey,1999:
152)
II. Assessing Socioeconomic Status
A.
In Great Britain
B. In the United
States
1.
Respondents' Self-Assessment
2.
Community Studies
3.
Researcher Determines from One or More Variables
III. Quantitative and
Qualitative Aspects of SES
A. Quantitative
Aspects of SES
1. Life Expectancy& infant mortality
2. Educational Attainment
3. Age at first marriage
4. Divorce Rate
5. Timing of Pregnancy and Number of Children
B. Qualitative
Aspects of SES
1. Gender Expectations within the Household
2. Parents' Values (Kohn)
3. Parenting Strategies
4. Marital Expectations and Interaction (Rubin)
5. Hobbies, Leisure Time Activities, Social Activities
IV. Social Class Prototypes
A.
Upper-Class
B.
Upper Middle Class
C.
Middle-Class
D.
Working-Class
E.
Working Poor
F. Underclass