Introduction to Sociology
Third Edition
Study Questions
- Do you think the Occupy movement that began on Wall Street will have a long term impact on US society? Why or why not?
- What can be done to address the feminization of poverty? What kinds of policies or social changes can address this?
- Do you think women will break through the ultimate glass ceiling – the Presidency of the United States – in your lifetime? Why or why not?
- Which theory do you think is more applicable – Simmel’s concept of trickle-down fashion or Veblen’s theory of conspicuous consumption? Why?
- What is meant by the concept “the race to the bottom?” Do you think this will change any time soon? Why or why not?
- Why do you think income and wealth inequality has increased since the 1970s?
- Explain why and in what ways wealth and poverty are caused by laws, policies, and social structure, rather than simply individual traits, such as hard work?
- Why is upward social mobility so much more difficult today than in past decades? Explain what social structures, policies, and laws might affect your future potential for upward mobility.