Question

Which category characterizes social stratification that developed in the United States in the late 19th century

Answer 1

Social stratification in the late 19th century United States is characterized by the formation of economic classes—upper, middle, and lower—stemming from industrialization and urbanization, with the economic elite gaining influence and the middle class growing due to education improvements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The category that characterizes social stratification that developed in the United States in the late 19th century is essentially the emergence of economic classes amidst the country's industrialization. During this period, profound economic changes and technological innovations led to the formation of distinct social classes such as the upper, middle, and lower classes. The introduction of technologies like electricity, the telephone, and the growth of factories in urban centers increased the demand for labor, which, in turn, led to the growth of cities and the diversification of social classes.

As the economy grew, the economic elite, consisting of families like the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts, amassed considerable fortunes. They used their wealth to exert influence over government and business operations. This period also witnessed the burgeoning of the middle class and marked improvements in public education, with the expansion of high schools and the establishment of land-grant colleges providing professional training that aligned with middle-class needs. In contrast, laborers and factory workers, who grappled with poor working conditions, began organizing labor unions, pushing for laws to improve their socioeconomic status.

Overall, the social mobility in the United States, which describes the shift from one social class to another, was shaped by these economic and social transformations. Class traits, such as behaviors, customs, and norms, became less definitive in assigning class to a specific individual, although wealth and income remained significant factors in determining social standing.

Answer 2

Ethnicity and race characterizes the social stratification in the United States in the late 19th century.

Explanation:

Social stratification means ranking the categories of people in a hierarchy. Some groups of people in the U.S have high status, power and wealth than other groups. The difference in status of the U.S people made a way to social stratification. Social stratification is characterized based on ethnicity and race.

Physical characteristics like hair and eye color of a person define the race. Ethnicity of the person is determined based on the cultural factors like language and nationality.