Social Stratification in the United States

More about the book

This much-anticipated update of a classic book-and-poster set explores America's economic divide, which has intensified since its original publication in 1979. Generations of educators, union organizers, and activists have utilized this resource to illustrate social disparities. The new edition draws from the 2005 Current Population Survey of the U.S. Census, offering fresh primary data that presents a striking picture of the U.S. social structure. The companion booklet includes a folded poster featuring color-coded figures for easy comparison of social groups, highlighting the relationship between income distribution and factors such as race, sex, education, and occupation. Accompanied by charts and detailed explanations, the booklet guides users on maximizing the poster's educational potential while showcasing significant shifts in America's social landscape over recent decades. Key findings indicate that recent economic growth has primarily benefited the wealthiest households, the concept of the middle class has diminished, a gender gap remains in the workplace, and African Americans and Latinos continue to earn significantly less than their counterparts. This resource effectively brings to life the statistics surrounding inequality, making it a unique achievement in the field.