be able to define and understand the process of social stratification
understand the distinction between social stratification and social differentiation
be familiar with the characteristics of open and closed stratification systems
be familiar with the dimensions of stratification: economic standing (wealth and income), prestige, and power
be familiar with the characteristics of the American class system and the existence of social inequality in the United States
understand the employment of the three primary methods for identifying social classes (objective, self-placement, and reputational)
be familiar with the concepts of life chances and style of life
understand the three theories regarding poverty: the culture of poverty thesis, poverty as situational, and poverty as a structural feature of capitalist societies
be able to define social mobility and be familiar with its different forms (vertical, horizontal, intergenerational, and intragenerational)
be familiar with the socioeconomic life cycle, the dual labor market, and the existence of core and periphery jobs
be familiar with the controversy surrounding the shrinking middle class and the alleged demise of the American dream
understand the functionalist and conflict theories of stratification
understand the attempts to synthesize the functionalist and conflict approaches
