SOC 1100 Study Guide - Final Guide: Cultural Feminism, Conspicuous Consumption, Tenderly

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 1100
• Professor: Deanna Behnke- Cook

Document Summary

Many people think of canada as a middleclass society, but the society is highly stratified. Poor canadian families struggle from day to day simply to make ends meet. Wealthy families control most of the money, benefit from more schooling, and enjoy better health. Social class in canada has several dimensions. People often talk of inequality as if it were determined solely by money. Socio-economic status is a composite measure of social position that considers also power, occupational prestige and schooling. Income is only one component of wealth: the total amount of money and other assets, minus outstanding debts. Stocks, bonds, real estate, and other privately owned property. In the us, the richest 20% of families control 89% of all wealth (2011). Wealth is an important source of power. Occupation is a major determinant of income, wealth, and power. Physicians, lawyers, and engineers are ranked near the top on prestige, while cashiers and janitors are ranked near the bottom.