Our Social World: Condensed
Fourth Edition
Discussion Questions
- Were you surprised to learn that among rich nations, life expectancy in the United States is among the lowest? Explain. What sociological theory best explains this fact? Support your answer.
- How has the social class of your parents and your upbringing influenced your success in school and your professional aspirations?
- What is the social status of most of the people with whom you hang out? Why do you think you tend to associate with people from this social status?
- Describe factors at the (a) micro, (b) meso, and (c) macro levels that impact your ability to move up the social class ladder.
- How do the forces that have led to the shrinking of the middle class impact your chance of becoming (or remaining) a member of the (a) middle, (b) upper-middle, or (c) upper class after you graduate from college?
- How can bridging the global digital divide lead to a decrease in inequality across the world? How does your ready access (or lack of access) to a computer and the Internet impact your life chances?