Chapter+8+Social+Stratification

Conspicuous consumption - buying and using products because of the "statement" they make about social position. Capitalists - people who own and operate factories and other businesses in pursuit of profits. Class system - social stratification based on both birth and individual achievement. Income - earnings from work or investments. Wealth - The total value of money and other assets, minus outstanding debts. Intergenerational social mobility- Upward or downward social mobility of children in relaiton to their parents. White-collar occupations- Higher- prestige jobs that involve mostly mental activity. Caste system- Social stratification based on ascription, or birth.
 * In the Thanksgiving episode, Jay pulls up to Phil and Claire's house in his new Audi. He comments on how "it's the best" when his grandchildren compliment him on his new purchase. This is an example of conspicuous consumption because Jay thinks his car is the best because of how much money it costs and the make that it is. People who see him driving in it will equate him to a high social position because of his car.
 * A friend that comes to visit the Dunphy house on Thanksgiving is an example of a capitalist. He owns his own company that deals with video game graphics. This is the business that he owns in pursuit of making profits, which in this case is very profitable because he made a lot of money from his company.
 * The class system is demonstrated in Modern family very well. All of the character would be considered part of the upper middle class judging from American standards. The characters were born into good homes, but their social standing is not completely determined by what they were born into. Each of the characters worked to earn the degrees and jobs that they attain. Mitchell worked to become a lawyer, Phil worked to become a realtor, Jay worked to become a successful business man, and so on.
 * Each of the separate families that make up the Modern Family cast all have stable incomes because they are all living quite comfortably. Phil's income is probably the most out of all the familes based on his home. Each of the families earnings are demonstrated in the show.
 * All of the families on the show are wealthy. They all have very nice houses and they all can afford very nice things.
 * Gloria has moved upward compared to her parents. She went from being a poor Colombian to a rich American.
 * Phil, Mitchell, and Jay all have White-collar jobs. Phil is a very good realtor, Mitchell is a lawyer, and Jay owns his own business. All of the occupations require a lot of thought.
 * Gloria talks about her family and how they are not able to do the things they would like because of their low status.