...Anabell Abud Professor Armstead SYG 2000 Social Class Paper 20 March 2013 An Analysis of Social Class in the United States As we all explore the outside world, we all see the same traffic, stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and shopping malls. There is just one difference, we all live differently according to social class. The social stratification is a system of structured social inequality. It can be described as one lady going to Macys with her credit card wasting $1,000.00 dollars in merchandise and the other woman going to a store of discounts in clothing with a strict budget of $20.00 paying in cash. Another way I see how there are inequalities in our society is a simple question, can you afford to go buy a Michael Kors bag? If you can’t, then the Payless store it is to buy a look-a-like that can hopefully give strangers the impression that you’re not in the poverty sector. Those that are part of the super-rich see the poor as lazy; they deserve to be with meager needs because they haven’t shown merit to escape the poverty class, and the underprivileged that they have to pay out of their tax dollars to support them. Sociologists say we need the poor it’s good for our economy out of many various reasons that most of society doesn’t realize. At least journalist B. Ehrenreich saw what it was to not make it in America as an experiment to educate us all in the jobs of the working class from the article “Nickel and Dimed.” I know I became well aware of these differences...
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...I am a very interesting social being. Also, what is required for me to remain in my social class is very interesting. I am a social being who has acquired unique social characteristics from my family’s life style. Throughout a period of three generation, my family has experienced all levels of class. My family’s life style change alot throughout my life. My grandparent were poor farmers, who did not own their home. My mother didn’t achieve a higher education, but she does possess a job skills as an nurse's aid. My father has almost received a master's degree math. I did achieve a higher education in relation to job skills as a Vocational Nurse. Also, I lack 3 class before completing my first BA. In addition, I have experienced all...
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...One of the major lines of division was a social class division. Bob’s fiancé, Alice, lives in the West Side of town. As Bob was going to pick her up for a dinner date, he rants about the nice area Alice lives in. Bob goes on to say that whenever a Negro is asked where he lived, he would say the West Side signifying that he was better than a Negro who lives in the South Side. In comparison to white folks, the West Side would resemble Beverly Hills (pg 48). Alice’s mother with tears in her eyes explains how her husband “went into a restaurant downtown where he’s been eating for years and they didn’t want to serve him” (pg 52). Apparently, it was not a white employee but a Southern Negro. Even people of their same race has neglected those of a higher class due to a social class difference. Another factor that exemplifies a line of division is the color differentiation between Bob and Alice. Alice is of a lighter complexion of skin to the point that she can be recognized as a white woman. Bob admires the fact that he is with a lady that resembles a white lady. However at times, he feels...
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...2 Social-class microcultures in consumer behavior 2 Implications to marketing practitioners 3 Suggestion for Improvement 4 Conclusion 4 Reference list 5 Introduction Market nowadays is so rapid-constantly changing and so broad. Company needs to adapt to these characteristics of the market and also understanding the consumer’s behavior in the market for them to survive and outrun their competitors. This discussion would further examine the company, Levi Strauss (Levi’s), marketing strategy in the garment industry in the context of Malaysia and also suggestions would be given for improvements. Levi’s first entered into the garment industry in 1873 with the birth of the first pair of jeans. Levi’s has been improving since and now, it is one of the world largest brand-name and also a global leader in jeanswear, according to San Francisco(2014). After gaining reputation as well as high profit, they have been selling other garment products besides jeans, such as clothings, caps, belts, and so on. Social-class micro cultures in consumer behavior A social class is a huge group of people, who have a similar position in an economic system, said by Moffitt(2015). Differentiating, positioning, and targeting different social class plays an important role in marketing. Consumers from different social class have different behaviors as well as wants. According to Moffitt(2015), there are four main social class recognized by societies, which is upper class, middle class, working...
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...the analysis of class ⁃ class: people who stand in a common relationship to the means of production. ⁃ means of production: production of material goods is carried in a society on multiple levels. ⁃ The main classes are those who own the means of production, or capitalist- and those who perform labor for a living, the working class. ⁃ Capitalist: those who own companies, land, or stocks and use these to generate economy. ⁃ Marx believed the relationships between the classes are extremely important for societies. III. WEBER: CLASS AND STATUS • The two main differences between Weber’s theory and Marx’s is that Weber believed: class derives from not from control or lack of control of the means of production, but economics differences that doesn’t deal with property. It’s based on qualifications or professional occupations:. • Marketable workers have, degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Blue Collar workers perform the labor jobs and are less qualified than the marketable workers. Davis and Moore: The Function Of Stratification • The Davis and Moore theory suggest that a person’s social position is based on talents and efforts. HOW IS SOCIAL CLASS DEFINED IN THE UNITED STATES? • Davis and Moore’s theory suggest that a person’s social position is based solely on his talents and efforts. • Certain Positions or roles in society, are functionally more important (ex. lawyers, brain surgeons). HOW IS SOCIAL CLASS DEFINED...
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...desirable? The proposed Theory of Multiple Aspiration & Poverty Lines (MAPL) represented a new and stratified approach to understanding affluence, poverty and aspiration. This has many implications on brand positioning and portfolio strategies for creation of winning brands or “suns”. Objective The objective of this paper was to take this thinking forward through an exploration as follows: Broadly, what are the implications of the Multiple Aspiration & Poverty Lines (MAPL) theory for brand positioning, communication and portfolio management? What drives brand success in the Indian context? What strategies have these brands used to achieve success- to what degree are these brands wedded to symbols of aspiration /belongingness in each social class? How did the brands that were not so successful in the Indian market falter on making the right connections on these dimensions? Approach We identified product categories through which to understand brands and aspirations including durables and FMCG. We examined categories in order to understand category structures as well as to understand the reasons for some key brand successes and failures in these categories. For each category we studied price structures and relative positioning of brands, based on desk research. We met custodians of selected brands within each...
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...thus not a reflection of custom, but a set of rules laid down by the state in the interests of the ruling class, and resulting from the conflicts arising in class structured societies; criminal behaviour is , then , the inevitable expression of class conflict resulting from the exploitative nature of economic relations. Criminality is simply not something that people have or don’t have; crime is not something some people do and others don’t. Crime is a matter of who can pin the label on whom and underlying this socio-political process is the structure of social relations determined by capitalism. Using material from item A and elsewhere asses the usefulness of the Marxist approaches to an understanding of crime and deviance (21 marks) Marxists essentially see crime and deviance as defined by the ruling class and used as a means of social control – if you don’t conform then you will be punished. Institutions such as the police, the justice system, prisons and schools, the family and religion are there to encourage you to conform. They argue that white collar crimes (which tend to be committed by the more powerful in society) are ignored, while crimes committed by the less powerful in society such as burglary and street crime are focussed on and seen as more serious. Marxists would also argue that different social classes are policed differently, with the working class heavily policed in the expectation that they will be more criminal and therefore raising the chances of their...
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...Introduction 2. Labov’s motivation for studying Sociolinguistics 3. Labov’s observations in Martha’s Vineyard 3.1 Geographical and historical basics of Labov’s studies 3.2 Repetition of the studies in 1961 by Labov 3.3 Labov’s explanation of the observations 4. Labov’s studies in New York 4.1 The Social Stratification of (r) in New York Department Stores 4.1.1 Preliminary Überlegungen 4.1.2 The experiment 4.1.3 The results of the department store study 4.2 Study of Lower East Side 4.2.1 The MFY Survey 4.2.2 The ALS (American Language Survey) 5. The meaning of Labov’s studies for modern sociolinguistics 6. Conclusion 1. Topic and Introduction The topic of this term paper are “Labov’s studies in New York and Martha’s Vineyard”. Labov’s observations in Martha’s Vineyard served Labov as a model for his Master’s essay and his observations in New York as a model for his dissertation. The second chapter will give a survey of William Labov’s motivation for studying sociolinguistics. Chapter 3 is about his observations in Martha’s Vineyard. After that I’ll give a detailed description of his studies in New York (chapter 4) divided up into the two parts: First, the social stratification of (r) in New York City Department Stores (4.1) and second The Lower East Side (4.2). These studies are Labov’s most famous works and two of his early publications. With his studies he created the base for a modern way of analysing language without using tape-recorded interviews (see also...
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...relevance of the Marxist model of class structure and class conflict to an analysis of Caribbean society. (May/June 2000) Karl Marx was inspired to create an explanation of a society that had become industrialized and capitalist in the eighteenth century. He understood that the illusion of modernity reflected a continuation of class exploitation that had occurred in previous eras like slavery and feudalism. Hence, he constructed his own model, the Marxist model of class conflict to explain negative circumstances that existed in his time. The main features of Marxism include class conflict, surplus value extraction, false consciousness, revolution and by extension communism. The features of the Marxist model are all applicable to Caribbean society, however due to significant changes in society, they are not relevant to the extent that Karl Marx witnessed. The communist manifesto of 1848 declared that the history of all existing society hitherto is the history of class conflict i.e. oppressor and oppressed. According to Marx, this was reflected by the Bourgeosie as the oppressor and the Proletariat as the oppressed, this statement can be applied to society during the period of Colonization which implanted a Plantation Society which exploited the Indigenous people, West Africans, Indians, Chinese and Madeirans. The methods of class exploitation were visible through the Encomienda, Enslavement and Indentureship. In a Post-Colonial society, class conflict still exists however, it...
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...morning we will be discussing the topic, Social Stratification. In this presentation we will define Social Stratification and compare and contrast the functionalist and conflict perspectives on this topic. We will also discuss some of the major problems associated with Social Stratification as well as some of the major agents that teach our gender roles and social class. So what is Social Stratification? Social Stratification refers to a situation in which people are divided into distinct groups ranked at different levels. In other words it is the hierarchical arrangement of social classes within a society. An example would be the Hindu caste system, where different castes have different levels of status depending on their supposed degree of religious purity. Social Stratification is patterned social inequality, by saying that inequality is patterned indicates that differences occur on a wide-scale, with regularity and along the lines of certain specific, identifiable characteristics. For example race, class or gender. And it is also the unequal distribution of societal resources. Stratification is based on three major premises; power, prestige and property. Power which refers to the ability to impose one’s will on others. Prestige, the respect given to others and then there is Property which is the different forms of wealth. There are four fundamental principles of Social Stratification. The first is Social Stratification is a characteristic of society...
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...Högskolan i Halmstad Sektionen för Humaniora Engelska 61-90 The Importance of Class and Money A Marxist Analysis of Jane Austen’s Persuasion Therese Andersson C-essay Tutor Kristina Hildebrand Abstract This essay analyzes how issues related to money and social class are presented in Jane Austen’s Persuasion. The method used will be a close reading as well as aspects of Marxist literary criticism, a theory that will be presented in the second chapter. Background information about the author and her time will then be given in the third chapter. In chapter four, the character of Sir Walter Elliot will be analyzed, in chapter five Elizabeth Elliot, and in chapter six William Elliot. Some of the other characters will be analyzed, more briefly, in the seventh chapter. Conclusions will then be drawn in the eighth and final chapter. 2 Table of contents Abstract.....................................................................................................2 Table of contents.......................................................................................3 1. Introduction.........................................................................................4 2. Theory and method..............................................................................5 2.1 Close reading............................................................................................5 2.2 Marxist literary criticism................................................
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...There is much debate in sociology about whether class is still important. Many argue that class is no longer important as an individual’s identity and life chances are based more status and cultural factors such as lifestyle, values, intelligence, education and the like, the post-modernists state that class has ceased to be the prime determinant of identity and suggest that societies are now organised around consumption rather than production, consequently people now identify themselves in terms of what they consume rather than in terms of social-class position. Class identity has therefore fragmented into numerous separate and individualised identities. Others argue that class is still a central influence on people’s lives, that it affects their life chances (health, education, voting, social mobility etc.), they argue that class inequality exists and that such inequalities are widening rather than narrowing. Early theories such as Functionalist theory argue that inequality is functional for society since it makes sure that those who show the most potential talent are encouraged to develop this talent through higher education and training, with the promise of higher incomes when they qualify (deferred gratification). They state that in order for society to function properly, society must make sure that people fully use their talents. Inequalities stem from the fact that society values different roles in different ways, based on the shared norms and values of a society. Davis...
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...view that the law operates to serve the ruling class As crime is subjective concept we must look at the explanations of crime and how it occurs, this assumption clearly suggests that social class plays a large role in explanations of crime. We must consider how social class affects us as a society and thus how it is reflected in the laws set for our society to conform to. The idea of the law serving the ruling class is clearly a Marxist perspective however other sociologists do appreciate this assumption particularly Integrationists and Left Realists. In order to assess the view accurately other factors must be considered for example how the law operates to serve different genders, ages and ethnicities as well as social classes. Firstly Marxists would argue that the ruling class are protected by the law and therefore are less likely to be punished for a crime. Snider found that the state is hesitant to pass laws that regulate large capitalist concerns for example: laws on health and safety or monoplies, as it can scare off investors and damge profitability for the state’s economy. This suggests that the law serves the ruling class as it protects them from being punished as laws aren’t in place to prevent corporate crimes ( such as tax evasion)and prosecute the criminals. Futhermore we can suggest that this happens due to those who make the laws being part of the ruling class; politicians are predominantly wealthy middle class individuals and therefore are unlikely to regulate...
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...Jurrell D. Harrison The Impact Of Sociological Theories In Education Introduction to Sociology Professor Whited Monday February 13th 2012 Education is often considered as the most important aspect of an individual’s life. Education essentially shapes a person’s future. Without an education, moreover a good education, in today’s economy people would struggle in everyday life just to make ends meet. In fact, according to statistics published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, on a survey taken by 11,437 people in January 2011, is 16.5%. That is a staggering 1,892 people who are unemployed because they do not have adequate education. Thus it is therefore evident that an education, or some education is paramount to a person’s success or accomplishments in life. There are three theories that help understand education. Although most view these theories as opinions, these theories support the need for education by allowing society to better understand education and they demonstrate or help identify what education really is. The three theories that are important for purposes of this paper are: Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism. These three theories play a vital role in helping understand education and why it is so important. Contrary to most beliefs, the theories previously mention are not simply one man’s opinions, rather they give a prime meaning to the necessity of education. Traditionally...
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...AUSTEN’S PERSUASION Abstract This essay analyzes how issues related to money and social class are presented in Jane Austen’s Persuasion . The method used will be a close reading as well as aspects of Marxist literary criticism, a theory that will be presented in the second chapter. Background information about the author and her time will then be given in the third chapter. In chapter four, the character of Sir Walter Elliot will be analyzed, in chapter five Elizabeth Elliot, and in chapter six William Elliot. Some of the other characters will be analyzed, more briefly, in the seventh chapter. Conclusions will then be drawn in the eighth and final chapter. 1. Introduction ......................................................................................... 2. Theory and method .............................................................................. 2.1 Close reading ............................................................................................ 2.2 Marxist literary criticism ................................................................................ 3. Background .......................................................................................... 3.1 Jane Austen and her time ......................................................................... 3.1.1 Titles and ranks .......................................................................................... 3.2 Class in Jane Austen’s novels ......................................................
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