Drift in Policy and Family Trends: Incremental Changes and Inequalities, Exams of Social Work

Download Drift in Policy and Family Trends: Incremental Changes and Inequalities and more Exams Social Work in PDF only on Docsity! SOC 130 final review o In Winner Take All Politics, Hacker & Pierson argue that their concept of "drift" is an important part of the explanation for the rise of a "winner take all" system. Explain what "drift" is, and how it contributes to a "winner take all" system, providing an example. - Drift: or preventing policy changes to keep "pace with changing economic conditions"; , included not updating labor laws in response to new corporate anti-union tactics, not enacting stock option regulations in response to changing executive pay packages, and not updating securities regulations in response to the growth of dangerously risky but profitable Wall Street speculation. How it contributes and example: Incremental Policy Changes: Drift involves small, incremental changes in policies over time, often without significant public attention or debate. These changes can accumulate and lead to a system that disproportionately benefits certain groups, such as the wealthy or powerful corporations. Accumulation of Advantage: As policies drift, they may create advantages for certain individuals or groups. These advantages can accumulate over time, reinforcing existing inequalities and making it increasingly difficult for others to catch up. For example, tax policies that favor the wealthy or regulatory changes that benefit large corporations may contribute to the concentration of wealth. Lack of Public Awareness or Resistance: Drift often occurs without a clear public mandate or a well- informed citizenry actively participating in decision-making. The lack of public awareness or resistance allows certain interests to shape policies in ways that serve their own interests, leading to a winner- takes-all scenario where a small, privileged group reaps the most benefits. Describe how family patterns are diverging by social class in the U.S. What role does education play? Carlson & England)? - Marriage Trends: Higher Education Levels: Individuals with higher levels of education tend to delay marriage, emphasizing career and personal development first. There's also a trend toward "assortative mating," where individuals with similar educational backgrounds are more likely to partner with each other. Lower Education Levels: Those with lower levels of education may experience earlier marriages and higher rates of non-marital childbirth. Family Structure: Higher Education Levels: Individuals with higher education levels often exhibit lower fertility rates, delayed childbearing, and lower rates of divorce. There's a trend toward smaller families and a higher likelihood of two-parent households. Lower Education Levels: Conversely, individuals with lower education levels may have larger families, earlier childbirth, and a higher likelihood of non-marital childbearing. Family structures may be more fluid, with higher rates of single-parent households. Economic Disparities: Higher Education Levels: Education is often associated with higher income and economic stability. Individuals with higher education levels are more likely to access well-paying jobs, providing financial security for their families. Lower Education Levels: Those with lower education levels may face economic challenges, such as lower wages and job instability, contributing to financial stress within families. Parental Involvement: Higher Education Levels: Parents with higher education levels tend to be more actively involved in their children's education, participating in school activities and fostering an educational environment at home. Lower Education Levels: Parents with lower education levels may face challenges in providing the same level of educational support for their children, potentially impacting academic achievement. What is "family structure"? What are the processes outlined by McLanahan and Percheski for how family structure reproduces class, race and gender inequality? - Family structure refers to the composition, organization, and arrangement of individuals within a family unit. It encompasses various aspects, including the relationships between family members, the presence of parents, the number of generations living together, and marital status. Economic Inequality: Single-Parent Families: that children raised in such families often face economic challenges. Single- parent households, especially those led by single mothers, are more likely to experience financial difficulties, contributing to intergenerational economic inequality. Black, Latino, Native American and other nondominant groups is another main driver of the opportunity gap in American education. o According to Arum & Roksa, what are some of the institutional changes in higher education that have impacted students' experiences of college (e.g. "creeping corporatization" and others)? - Creeping Corporatization: Definition: Arum and Roksa use the term "creeping corporatization" to describe the trend in higher education where institutions increasingly adopt corporate practices and values. This includes a focus on efficiency, marketability, and the commodification of education. Emphasis on Research over Teaching: Shift in Priorities: Some institutions have increasingly prioritized research activities over teaching. This can lead to faculty members dedicating more time and energy to research, potentially diminishing the quality of the teaching experience for students. Use of Adjunct Faculty: Increased Reliance: Many universities have become more reliant on adjunct or part-time faculty, who often have less job security, lower pay, and fewer resources compared to their tenured counterparts. This can impact the continuity and quality of instruction. Focus on Student Satisfaction: Consumer Mentality: The authors note a shift toward treating students as consumers and universities as service providers. This consumer-oriented mentality can impact the educational experience, with institutions prioritizing amenities and student satisfaction over academic rigor. Limited Accountability for Learning Outcomes: Lack of Rigorous Assessment: The authors argue that there is often limited accountability for ensuring that students are actually learning. Assessments and evaluations may not be sufficiently rigorous, leading to concerns about the true quality of education. Lack of Clear Academic Standards: Ambiguity in Expectations: Arum and Roksa highlight the lack of clear and consistent academic standards across institutions. This can result in varying expectations for student performance and a lack of alignment with broader educational goals. o What do recent college graduates say about their college experiences and their perceptions of their value? - Limited Academic Gains: Arum and Roksa contend that a significant proportion of college students show limited improvement in key areas such as critical thinking, complex reasoning, and written communication over the course of their undergraduate education. Focus on Social Aspects: The authors suggest that many students prioritize social activities and engagement over academic pursuits. The college experience, according to their findings, may be more focused on socializing and extracurricular activities rather than rigorous academic engagement. Grade Inflation: Arum and Roksa discuss the phenomenon of grade inflation, arguing that higher grades have become more common over time. They raise concerns that high grades may not necessarily reflect meaningful academic achievement and that grade inflation could contribute to a perceived lack of rigor. Importance of Rigorous Academics: The authors emphasize the importance of rigorous academic experiences for student learning. They argue that colleges should focus on providing challenging coursework and fostering an environment that encourages intellectual engagement. Concerns about Employability: Graduates' perceptions of the value of their college education may be influenced by concerns about employability. If graduates feel that their education did not sufficiently prepare them with practical skills for the workforce, it could impact their perceptions of the value of their college experience. o Why does Mettler characterize U.S. higher education as a "caste system"? Has our system always functioned this way? If not, what changed? - Disparities in Access: unequal access to higher education, with individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds facing barriers to entry. The stratification is evident in the differences in the quality of education, resources, and opportunities available at various types of institutions. Inequality in Outcomes: Mettler emphasizes the impact of educational stratification on life outcomes. Graduates from prestigious institutions often have access to better career opportunities and social networks, reinforcing and perpetuating social and economic disparities. Reinforcement of Social Stratification: The concept of a caste system in higher education suggests that individuals' destinies are increasingly predetermined by the educational tier they enter. Social and economic mobility becomes more challenging for those attending lower-tier institutions. Rising Tuition Costs: The rising cost of tuition, coupled with limited financial aid and a lack of resources in lower-tier institutions, has created a situation where students from wealthier backgrounds have a more significant advantage in accessing prestigious and resource-rich institutions. Inequities in K-12 Education: Disparities in K-12 education also contribute to the perpetuation of a caste- like system in higher education. Unequal access to quality primary and secondary education can set the stage for unequal opportunities in college access and success. o What are features of our current labor market, according to Kalleberg and Desmond? - Precarious Work: Many scholars, including Arne Kalleberg, have highlighted the rise of precarious work in the labor market. This includes part-time, temporary, and gig economy jobs that often lack job security, benefits, and stable working hours. Income Inequality: Income inequality has been a prominent feature of the labor market. Wage gaps between high-skilled and low-skilled workers, as well as disparities between executives and workers, have contributed to growing income inequality. Job Insecurity: Some scholars, including Kalleberg, have emphasized the prevalence of job insecurity. This includes concerns about layoffs, restructuring, and a lack of long-term employment relationships, particularly in industries undergoing significant changes. Autonomy and control over one's work contribute to job quality. Jobs that allow employees to have a degree of control over their tasks, decision-making, and work processes are often considered more fulfilling and satisfying. Supportive Work Environment: A positive work environment, characterized by supportive colleagues, effective communication, and a healthy organizational culture, contributes to job quality. This includes a workplace that values work-life balance and employee well-being. Social Integration: A good job provides a sense of social integration and belonging. This includes positive relationships with colleagues, opportunities for collaboration, and a supportive workplace community. Why is our labor market increasingly divided into "good" and "bad" jobs? - Factors Contributing to the Division of "Good" and "Bad" Jobs: Globalization: Globalization has led to increased competition, affecting certain industries and occupations more than others. Jobs in industries facing intense global competition may experience downward pressure on wages and job quality. Technological Change: Automation and technological advancements have transformed the nature of work. While technology has created new opportunities, it has also contributed to the polarization of the labor market, with certain high-skilled jobs experiencing growth, while routine or low-skilled jobs face potential displacement. Economic Restructuring: Economic shifts, such as the transition from manufacturing to service-oriented economies, have reshaped the demand for certain skills. This restructuring has contributed to the growth of knowledge- intensive jobs while impacting the availability and quality of jobs in other sectors. Policy Decisions: Policy decisions related to labor market regulations, social protections, and minimum wage laws can influence the quality of jobs. Weaker labor market regulations or inadequate social policies may contribute to the prevalence of low-quality jobs. Organizational Practices: The practices adopted by employers, including the use of non-standard employment arrangements (such as part-time or temporary work), influence the quality of jobs. Employers' decisions regarding wages, benefits, and job security contribute to the division between good and bad jobs. Educational Attainment: Disparities in educational attainment play a role in job stratification. High-skilled jobs that require advanced education and skills often provide better working conditions and compensation, contributing to the division in job quality. o According to Kalleberg (Desmond also discusses this), what "macrostructural factors" contributed to bringing in a new era of flexibility (for employers) to U.S. labor markets starting in the 1970s? - Globalization; Technological Changes; Economic Restructuring; Decline of Unionization: The decline in unionization and the weakening of labor unions had a significant impact on the balance of power between employers and workers. With less collective bargaining power, workers had less influence in shaping employment conditions and negotiating for job security. Changes in Corporate Practices: Corporate practices evolved with an emphasis on cost-cutting measures and increased efficiency. This led to the adoption of more flexible employment arrangements, including the use of part-time, temporary, and contingent workers to meet the changing demands of the market. Policy Shifts: Changes in government policies, including deregulation and shifts in labor market policies, contributed to the flexibility observed in employment relationships. Deregulation allowed for more flexibility in hiring and firing practices, making it easier for employers to adjust their workforce based on market conditions. Financialization of the Economy: The increasing influence of financial considerations in corporate decision-making, often referred to as the financialization of the economy, encouraged a focus on short-term profits. This emphasis on shareholder value contributed to a more flexible approach to workforce management. Rise of Contingent Work: The rise of contingent work, including temporary, part-time, and contract positions, reflects the shift towards more flexible employment arrangements. Employers increasingly turned to contingent workers to meet fluctuating demand and reduce labor costs. o What is gender segregation in labor markets and how does it contribute to explaining gender wage and prestige gaps? Does it help explain motherhood penalties as well? (England) - Gender Wage Gap: Occupational segregation is a key factor contributing to the gender wage gap. Women are often concentrated in lower-paying occupations and industries, while men dominate higher-paying fields. This segregation contributes to disparities in earnings because jobs traditionally associated with women tend to be undervalued and receive lower compensation compared to those traditionally associated with men. Prestige Gaps: Gender segregation is not only about differences in wages but also about the perceived prestige and value of certain occupations. Occupations traditionally held by men are often accorded higher social status and prestige, contributing to the gendered division of labor and reinforcing societal norms about gender-appropriate roles. This, in turn, can influence the choices individuals make in terms of their careers and educational pursuits. Motherhood Penalties: Gender segregation intersects with the concept of motherhood penalties, which refers to the disadvantages that mothers often face in the workplace. The gendered expectations and norms related to caregiving responsibilities contribute to mothers being more likely to work part-time, take career breaks, or opt for jobs with more flexibility. This can result in occupational segregation as well, with mothers often concentrated in lower-paid and less prestigious part-time or flexible work. Voting Rights Disenfranchisement: The loss of voting rights for individuals with felony convictions is a significant aspect of mass incarceration. This disenfranchisement disproportionately affects minority communities and raises questions about the democratic principles of equal representation. Racial Disparities: Racial disparities are evident at every stage of the criminal justice process, from policing to sentencing. The War on Drugs and other policies have disproportionately targeted communities of color, perpetuating racial inequalities and contributing to the cycle of incarceration. Identify and explain the three conditions that Wakefield and Uggen argue are essential for incarceration to maintain its current position as a stratifying institution - State Intervention: The first condition involves significant state intervention, particularly in the form of criminal justice policies and practices. The state, through legislative and enforcement mechanisms, plays a central role in determining who is targeted, arrested, and sentenced. Policies such as the War on Drugs, three- strikes laws, and mandatory minimum sentences have disproportionately affected certain communities, especially those with high concentrations of racial and ethnic minorities. Social Marginalization: The second condition is social marginalization. Certain groups within society, often characterized by race, class, and socioeconomic status, are socially marginalized and disproportionately subjected to the intervention of the criminal justice system. Racial and ethnic minorities, particularly African Americans and Hispanics, are more likely to be targeted by law enforcement and experience harsher sentencing compared to their white counterparts. This social marginalization contributes to the overrepresentation of specific groups within the incarcerated population. Legal Collateral Consequences: The third condition involves legal collateral consequences. The criminal justice system imposes legal penalties and sanctions that extend beyond the period of incarceration. These legal collateral consequences, such as restrictions on voting rights, employment opportunities, and housing eligibility, create a cycle of disadvantage for individuals with a criminal record. The post-release challenges contribute to the stratification of society, limiting the ability of formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate successfully into their communities. o According to Western, how could the current situation of mass incarceration and criminal justice policy change for the better? - Decriminalization of Low-Level Offenses: Western suggests that the decriminalization of certain low-level offenses could be a crucial step. This involves reassessing and reforming drug policies, especially those related to non-violent drug offenses. Shifting the focus from punitive measures to treatment and rehabilitation can help reduce the number of individuals entering the criminal justice system. Sentencing Reform: Reforming sentencing policies, including the reconsideration of mandatory minimum sentences, three- strikes laws, and other punitive measures, is essential. Implementing evidence-based sentencing practices that take into account the severity of the offense, the risk posed by the individual, and rehabilitation potential can contribute to a more just and equitable criminal justice system. Community-Based Alternatives: Exploring and expanding community-based alternatives to incarceration is another approach. Diverting individuals away from the criminal justice system and towards community programs, such as restorative justice initiatives or community service, can provide more constructive and rehabilitative responses to certain offenses. Focus on Root Causes: Addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and systemic inequalities, is fundamental. Social policies that aim to reduce disparities in education, employment, and economic opportunities can contribute to crime prevention and overall community well-being.