According to a recent study by the Economic Policy Institute, the hourly earnings of college graduates compared to people without a degree in 2013 were almost double, and this gap is increasing over time. Why is this significant in the matter of social stratification?
A) A college education pays off in both income and wealth, which increases social stratification.
B) Those without a degree can reverse the stratification effects for their family within one generation by sending their children to college.
C) Those without a degree make more than college graduates since they enter the workforce earlier and work longer.
D) Because college graduates are generally unable to translate this income into wealth, education has an effect only on income.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The significant earnings gap between college graduates and those without a degree highlights the importance of education in social stratification. A college education not only leads to higher income but also provides greater opportunities for accumulating wealth, which further widens the gap between the haves and have-nots. This reinforces the existing social and economic inequalities and contributes to the perpetuation of social stratification.

According to a Recent Study by the Economic Policy Institute