Question 1

Which one of the following is NOT one of the six classes identified by the authors?

Accepted Answer

The lower-middle class is not one of the six classes identified by the authors. The six classes are: the elite or capitalist class, the upper-middle class, the middle class, the working class, the working poor, and the underclass.

Question 2

The author's model of the American class structure emphasizes ______.

Accepted Answer

The author's model of the American class structure emphasizes source of income.

Question 3

Which class can be distinguished from the capitalist class not only because they have lower incomes, but because the majority of their income is acquired through salaries and/or professional fees as opposed to income-generating wealth?

Accepted Answer

The upper-middle class can be distinguished from the capitalist class not only because they have lower incomes, but because the majority of their income is acquired through salaries and/or professional fees as opposed to income-generating wealth. The middle class and new capitalist class may also have lower incomes but their income sources may vary. The upper-upper class, on the other hand, has a majority of their income coming from inherited wealth rather than salaries or professional fees. Therefore, the best choice is D) upper-middle class.

Question 4

The ever-increasing purchasing power of this class is making it more influential, and their lifestyles are becoming increasingly normative for the whole of American society. Which of the following classes fits this description?

Accepted Answer

The description fits the upper-middle class, as they have significant purchasing power and their lifestyles are becoming more normative for American society as a whole. The upper-upper class and capitalist class are smaller, more exclusive groups with even greater purchasing power and influence, while the middle class generally does not have the same level of impact on societal norms and trends.

Question 5

The political influence of ______ group has declined significantly as the good-producing industries of the economy, which typically had strong union membership, have contracted.

Accepted Answer

The working class had traditionally been a strong political force due to their strong union memberships in good-producing industries. However, these industries have largely contracted, resulting in a decline in the political influence of the working class. The other options (underclass, working-poor, middle class) do not have the same historical association with union membership and good-producing industries, making them less likely to be the correct answer.

Question 6

According to Gilbert, limited and erratic work histories, lack of skills, and incomplete education make finding full-time employment difficult for members of the ______.

Accepted Answer

Gilbert specifically mentions the "underclass" as the group that struggles with these employment barriers.

Question 7

The lower boundary of ______, defined by commitment to employment, is blurred by the tendency of some individuals to move back and forth across it.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The lower boundary of ______, defined by...

Question 8

Together ______ classes make up the majority of the American class structure.

Accepted Answer

The middle and working classes together constitute the majority of the American class structure, reflecting a broad spectrum of income levels, occupations, and educational backgrounds that represent the bulk of the population.

Question 9

The ______ is defined by its dependence on income-producing wealth.

Accepted Answer

The capitalist class is defined by their ownership of income-producing wealth. This wealth includes property, investments, and other assets that generate passive income. Members of the capitalist class may not necessarily work but instead rely on the income from their investments and assets.

Question 10

All of the following are true about the American middle class EXCEPT ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of All of the following are true about...

Question 11

Public policy has become more responsive to ______ classes and less responsive to ______ classes.

Accepted Answer

Public policy has increasingly been criticized for being more responsive to privileged classes, often due to their greater access to resources and political influence, while being less responsive to the needs and concerns of other, less privileged classes.

Question 12

The largest proportion of Americans belongs to what class?

Accepted Answer

According to recent surveys and studies, the largest proportion of Americans belong to the middle-class category, with approximately 52% of households falling within this range. While definitions of middle-class can vary, this category generally includes individuals and families that have a comfortable standard of living, but do not have the same level of wealth and resources as those in upper-class categories. Thus, option C) middle is the most accurate choice.

Question 13

What class is defined by their dependence on income-producing wealth?

Accepted Answer

Capitalists are defined by their dependence on income-producing wealth, which distinguishes them from other classes.

Question 14

What class is a highly credentialed group?

Accepted Answer

The upper-middle class is a highly credentialed group with advanced degrees and high-paying professional jobs.

Question 15

Workers in routine white-collar jobs would be considered members of ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Workers in routine white-collar jobs would be...

Question 16

Those at the middle and bottom of the class structure have seen their incomes grow at a much slower rate than during the Age of ______, whereas those at the top have seen their incomes soar.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is A because the passage states that those at the middle and bottom of the class structure have seen their incomes grow at a much slower rate than during the Age of Growing Inequality, whereas those at the top have seen their incomes soar.

Question 17

What has become increasingly concentrated at the top of the class hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Wealth has become increasingly concentrated at the top of the class hierarchy.

Question 18

In developed countries, which group is in demand?

Accepted Answer

In developed countries, there is a high demand for skilled workers who have specialized technical skills and can operate and maintain advanced machinery and technology. This has led to a growing demand for technicians in various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology. On the other hand, the demand for laborers and operatives has decreased due to automation and outsourcing. While crafts workers still have a demand, their numbers are typically smaller and their roles are more specialized. Therefore, the best choice is C) technicians.

Question 19

A significant number of the members of ______ depend on government transfer programs, including food stamps, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and veterans benefits.

Accepted Answer

According to the description, the group in question is reliant on government transfer programs and is not necessarily working. This aligns with the characteristics of the underclass, which is defined as a group of people in poverty who are chronically unemployed or have low-paying, unstable jobs. Therefore, the best choice is D) underclass.

Question 20

What is not one of the three basic sources of income available to households in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Tax refunds are not a basic source of income available to households in the United States. The three basic sources of income are capitalist wealth (such as investments), job earnings, and government transfers (such as Social Security or welfare benefits). Tax refunds are a return of excess taxes paid by individuals and do not count as a regular source of income.

Quiz 11: The American Class Structure and Growing Inequality