Question
Since the social classes in the United States do not have any clear boundaries, how is a sociologist supposed to determine whether their subjects are in the upper class or the upper -middle class? Upper class is often defined as having control over one's life and the lives of people around you, while the upper-middle class is often defined as having control only over one's own life. The upper class is split into "old money"and "new money" people,while the upper-middle class simply struggles to maintain its wealth. All upper class people enjoy opera and have been bred for their stations while the upper middle class consists mostly of newly wealthy people who may not have had the same kind of upbringing. In the upper class everyone knows everyone, but in the upper-middle class, the people do not comingle.
Answer
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Peri
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
To distinguish between their subjects, a sociologist can observe the level of control their subjects maintain over their own lives or over the lives of those around them. They can also examine the source and permanence of the subjects' wealth to determine if it is 'new' or 'old money' and whether they are struggling to maintain it. Moreover, they can identify their subjects attending operas or sophisticated events regularly, direct indication of their class along with other lineage and upbringing information. Furthermore, the overall familiarities between each other in their circle can clue on to their correct societal binomination.
Explanation
The question refers to the diaphanously defined borders of social classes within the United States, specifically looking at the distinctions between the upper class and the upper-middle class. A sociologist is given two definitions to use in differentiating these classes, but the disparity between these bourgeoisie classes is less clear-cut than it seems. Here are some insights regarding each respective definition:1. Control Over Life: The first distinguishing trait mentions the control a person has over their life and potentially the lives of others. Members of the upper class, due to the significant affluence and influence, presumably possess control their lives, and to an extent, those of other people around them, such as workers or service-providing entities. The upper-middle class has substantial means as well, but their control spans mostly over their life along with those within their immediate families.2. Established Wealth Vs. Struggling Maintenance: The second differentiation states that those in the upper classes divide again into 'old money,' generally earned over generations, and 'new money,' representing the nouveau riche who have freshly amassed their wealth. 3. Cultural Sophistication and Upbringing: The third contrast relates to cultural affinity and upbringing, stating that the upper class, old or new, typically cherishes finer arts such as opera and possesses a specific kind of upbringing that suits their status. The upper-middle class, mostly made of the newly wealthy, might not give the same emphasis on cultural elements as their access to such aspects weren't existent before their rise.Lastly, the connectedness among the class members is considered; in the upper class, a tighter circle exists where everyone purportedly knows everyone else, contrast to the upper-middle class, which exhibits a lesser degree of communal interaction.