Deck 11: B: Social Class in Canada

Question 1

How does the upper-upper class differ from the lower-upper class?

Answer 1

The upper-upper class and the lower-upper class are both segments of the upper class, which is the highest socioeconomic group in many societies. However, they differ in several key aspects:

1. **Source of Wealth**: The upper-upper class, often referred to as the "old money" class, typically derives its wealth from inheritance and has maintained it over generations. This group includes families that have long-standing social status and are often part of an established aristocracy or elite. In contrast, the lower-upper class, or "new money," consists of individuals who have acquired their wealth more recently, often through their own endeavors such as entrepreneurship, entertainment, sports, or high-level corporate careers.

2. **Social Status and Prestige**: The upper-upper class holds a higher social status and prestige due to the longevity of their wealth and their established positions in society. They are often involved in exclusive social clubs, philanthropy, and high culture. The lower-upper class, while also wealthy and influential, may not have the same level of social recognition or historical prestige.

3. **Lifestyle and Values**: The lifestyle of the upper-upper class is usually characterized by tradition, conservatism, and a sense of responsibility to maintain the family's legacy. They may prioritize discretion, refinement, and understated displays of wealth. The lower-upper class may be more open to showcasing their success and wealth, and they might adopt a more lavish and ostentatious lifestyle. They may also be more willing to take risks and embrace change, reflecting the entrepreneurial or innovative means by which they acquired their wealth.

4. **Education and Upbringing**: Members of the upper-upper class often attend prestigious private schools and universities, sometimes following family traditions. They are groomed from an early age to take on roles that preserve the family's status, such as managing family businesses or engaging in philanthropy. The lower-upper class may also seek the best education for their children, but they may not have the same generational ties to particular institutions.

5. **Influence and Power**: Both classes wield significant economic and social influence, but the upper-upper class may have more entrenched power in political and social institutions due to their long-standing connections and influence. The lower-upper class may have to build these connections over time, although their wealth can provide significant opportunities to gain influence.

6. **Networking and Connections**: The upper-upper class has established networks that have been built over generations, providing them with a strong sense of community and support within their social stratum. The lower-upper class may still be in the process of developing such networks, often through business, social, and philanthropic endeavors.

In summary, while both the upper-upper class and the lower-upper class are part of the economic elite, they differ in the origins of their wealth, the degree of social prestige, lifestyle and values, education and upbringing, and the nature of their influence and connections. These distinctions can lead to different cultural norms, expectations, and roles within society.

Question 2

Give three examples each of blue-collar jobs and white-collar jobs.Defend your choices.

Answer 2

no answer

Question 3

Point to evidence that helps you assess whether or not the responsibility for poverty lies with the poor or with society as a whole.

Answer 3

no answer

Question 4

How is the wealth of the rich different from the wealth of ordinary people?

Question 5

Who are the working poor?

Question 6

What is the meaning of the phrase "blaming the victim" in the debate over the causes of poverty?

Question 7

What is the difference between income and wealth?

Question 8

Outline William Ryan's position with respect to responsibility for poverty.

Question 9

Using what you know about the distribution of income in Canada,why is it incorrect to say that we live in a "middle-class society"?

Question 10

Discuss Toronto's efforts to count the homeless,noting methods,problems encountered,and solutions to these problems.

Question 11

What traits define the "working class" in Canada?

Question 12

Explain what factors affect upward social mobility in Canada.Do the same with downward social mobility.

Question 13

Define the concepts "intragenerational mobility" and "intergenerational mobility."