SOCIOLOGY FINAL EXAM: The American Dream and the Power of Wealth

What is wealth privilege?

The privilege that comes from having lots of money/wealth

Why is the idea of a meritocracy significant?

it justifies inequality, helps ppl maintain a source of identity

What is the role of education in the American Dream?

seen as The Great Equalizer - parents value education, want better future for kids, rely heavily on the American Dream regardless of background

What is the American Dream?

the idea of equal opportunity, individualism, open society, meritocracy ("you can be whatever you want to be!")

How are parents told to make sense of the reality of the American Dream?

they have Hope (to keep them wanting/wishing the best for their kids' futures), and there is an Ideology (that keeps us from challenging privilege, even when we recognize inequality)