Discussion Topic #1
Compare and contrast the terms income and wealth. Use examples in your answer. How does wealth help in giving individuals an unfair advantage?
Discussion Topic #2
The United States is stratified into levels describing individuals' socioeconomic status: upper class, middle class, working class, and poor. Describe each level. Why is the middle class so difficult to define?
Discussion Topic #3
The functionalist theory of stratification assumes that people are fairly compensated for the amount of time, energy and skills they put into their jobs. What criticisms could one make about this view?
Discussion Topic #4
Give an example of the feminization of poverty in core nations. How is it the same or different in peripheral nations?
Discussion Topic #5
Based on your observations, when are adolescents more likely to listen to their parents or to their peer groups when making decisions? What types of dilemmas lend themselves toward one social agent over another?