The underclass refers to a segment of the population that occupies the lowest position in a class hierarchy, beneath the working class. This term gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in discussions of American poverty.
Key Facts
- Definition: The underclass is a segment of the population that occupies the lowest possible position in a class hierarchy, below the core body of the working class.
- Origins: The term “underclass” was popularized in the latter half of the 20th century by social scientists and journalists, particularly in the context of American poverty.
- Controversies: The underclass concept has been a point of controversy among social scientists. There are debates about the definitions and explanations of the underclass, as well as proposed solutions for addressing the issues faced by this group.
- Dimensions: Different dimensions of the underclass are highlighted in various definitions. Some focus on economic oppression and lack of access to the labor market, while others emphasize spatial concentration in urban areas or behavioral deficiencies.
- Economic Perspective: From an economic perspective, the underclass is seen as a category of social agents who are economically oppressed but not consistently exploited within a given class system. They occupy the lowest rung on the class ladder and face limited opportunities for upward mobility .
- Spatial Perspective: The underclass is often associated with specific zones in urban areas. The term “urban underclass” is frequently used interchangeably with “underclass” and is popular in urban sociology .
- Behavioral Perspective: Some definitions of the underclass focus on behavioral deficiencies and dysfunctional characteristics. This perspective highlights the association between poverty and serious behavioral difficulties .
Origins
The concept of an underclass has a long history in social sciences, with the term “lumpenproletariat” often used to describe a similar group. However, the specific term “underclass” was popularized by social scientists and journalists in the context of American poverty.
Controversies
The underclass concept has been a subject of debate among social scientists. There are controversies surrounding its definition, explanations, and proposed solutions for addressing the issues faced by this group.
Dimensions
Various definitions of the underclass highlight different dimensions:
- EconomicEconomic oppression and lack of access to the labor market.
- SpatialConcentration in urban areas, often referred to as the “urban underclass.”
- BehavioralBehavioral deficiencies and dysfunctional characteristics.
Economic Perspective
From an economic standpoint, the underclass is seen as a group that experiences economic oppression but is not consistently exploited within the class system. They occupy the lowest rung on the class ladder and face limited opportunities for upward mobility.
Spatial Perspective
The underclass is often associated with specific zones in urban areas. The term “urban underclass” is frequently used interchangeably with “underclass” and is popular in urban sociology.
Behavioral Perspective
Some definitions of the underclass emphasize behavioral deficiencies and dysfunctional characteristics. This perspective highlights the association between poverty and serious behavioral difficulties.
Sources
- Underclass Theory of Crime – ReviseSociology
- Underclass – Wikipedia
- Underclass | Wiley Online Library
FAQs
What is the underclass theory?
The underclass theory refers to the idea that there is a segment of the population that occupies the lowest position in a class hierarchy, below the working class. This group is often characterized by economic oppression, spatial concentration in urban areas, and behavioral deficiencies.
What are the origins of the underclass theory?
The concept of an underclass has a long history in social sciences, but the specific term “underclass” was popularized in the late 20th century by social scientists and journalists in the context of American poverty.
What are the controversies surrounding the underclass theory?
There are debates among social scientists about the definition, explanations, and proposed solutions for addressing the issues faced by the underclass. Some critics argue that the term is stigmatizing and that it fails to adequately explain the complex factors that contribute to poverty and social disadvantage.
What are the different dimensions of the underclass?
Various definitions of the underclass highlight different dimensions, including economic oppression, spatial concentration in urban areas, and behavioral deficiencies.
What is the economic perspective on the underclass?
From an economic standpoint, the underclass is seen as a group that experiences economic oppression but is not consistently exploited within the class system. They occupy the lowest rung on the class ladder and face limited opportunities for upward mobility.
What is the spatial perspective on the underclass?
The spatial perspective emphasizes the concentration of the underclass in specific zones in urban areas. The term “urban underclass” is frequently used interchangeably with “underclass” and is popular in urban sociology.
What is the behavioral perspective on the underclass?
The behavioral perspective focuses on the behavioral deficiencies and dysfunctional characteristics associated with the underclass. This perspective highlights the link between poverty and serious behavioral difficulties.
What are some criticisms of the underclass theory?
Critics argue that the underclass theory is stigmatizing and that it fails to adequately explain the complex factors that contribute to poverty and social disadvantage. Additionally, some critics question the usefulness of the concept, arguing that it does not provide clear guidance for policy interventions.