CAS SO 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Upper Class, Working Poor, Economic Mobility
Document Summary
The upper class refers to the group of individuals at the top of the socioeconomic food chain. Historically, the upper class was often distinguished by not having to work. They were the aristocracy, the wealthy, the elite, the landowners. The upper class was the basis for marx"s capitalist class. In the us, upper class is associated with income, wealth, power and prestige. 1% of the us population is considered to fall in this group. Over the decade, this group saw its income rise 18%, while the average american worker experienced stagnant wages. The upper class is also distinguished by prestige and power, which can be used to promote personal agendas and in uence everything from political decisions to consumer trends. The members of the tiny capitalist class at the top of the hierarchy have an in uence on economy and society far beyond their numbers.
