Watch and learn! Carefully selected videos will help bring key concepts and theories to life, preparing you for your studies and exams.

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1.  Conceptions of Class

In the United States, Erik Olin Wright is one of the leading sociological theorists of class.  For a more in-depth analysis of approaches to class, and the differences between Marxist and Weberian approaches to class, refer to one of Wright's many publications: http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/~wright/Social%20Class%20--%20Sage.pdf.  What are the varieties of class concepts? What is a gradational definition of class? What is a relational conception of class?

2.  Updating Data on Poverty

Figure 1.2, Part D, shows the percent of U.S. residents in poverty, beginning in 1960. For updated graphs and more detailed breakdowns of poverty go to the Census Bureau's Poverty website. Click on the tab “Data.” There is a wealth of data you can access on this page.  If you click on “Report” in the “Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2012” section, a PDF of this report will open.  Go to the Poverty “Highlights” section on page 13. Has the percentage of the U.S. population in poverty gone up or down? How does this compare to the last 20 years? Click on “Historical Tables” to explore more detailed poverty statistics, such as poverty rates by age, race and ethnicity, sex, and family type.

3. Finding Poverty in Your Community

Another area that can be found at the Census Bureau website is American FactFinder. Click on this link to find that site.  In the section, “Community Facts,” type in your community’s zip code or name and state and click “Go.” You can find general demographic information here about population, gender, race/ethnicity, education, etc. Use the links on the left-hand side and in the box to find information on items such as types of households, educational attainment, levels of poverty, etc. What are these for your community?