Discussion Questions

  1. Do you think the Recession of 2008 has or will impact how we think of social class and inequality? In what ways?
  2. Do you think women will break through the ultimate glass ceiling— the presidency of the United States—in your lifetime? Why or why not?
  3. Which theory do you think is more applicable—Simmel’s concept of trickle-down fashion or Veblen’s theory of conspicuous consumption? Why?
  4. 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.
  5. 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.