In a short essay, answer the following questions: Is social class or gender more important in shaping the life of an individual born in the United States today? How does each factor matter? Provide reasons for your choice. Consider how social class and gender interact.

Explain the assertion made in the chapter that race is socially constructed. That is, explain what biological traits may be used in defining race, but why a biological definition cannot explain the reality of race in the United States. Provide examples to illustrate your arguments.

To impress her friends, Laura wears an expensive designer dress to a party. A sociologist might say Laura is engaging in ________.

Summarize the Davis-Moore thesis. Specifically, what are the functional consequences of inequality for society as a whole? Illustrate the thesis by pointing out various jobs and the relative rewards each job commands. Conclude by noting several criticisms of the Davis-Moore thesis.

The concept “structural social mobility” refers to ________.

The idea that social inequality benefits society is associated with the ________.

The concept “meritocracy” refers to social stratification ________.

How are race and ethnicity dimensions of social stratification in the United States? Provide evidence that many racial and ethnic categories of people are minorities-socially disadvantaged due to their racial or ethnic identity. Consider ways in which disadvantages linked to race and ethnicity combine with those rooted in gender and class.

According to Janet Lever’s observations of children at play, ________.

“Race” refers to ________ considered important by a society; “ethnicity” refers to ________.