The Concept Of Monopoly

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Using Monopoly To Teach Students About Social Class In Relation To Wealth *Every semester I teach college Sociology classes I always have my students play a game of Monopoly. They don't play normal Monopoly though but one with special rules designed to teach them about how social class and wealth impact success and failure in life.* # The name of the game is Sociological Monopoly ## The game's rules were designed by Catherine L. Coghlan and Denise W. Huggin. The purpose of the game is to change a familiar game like Monopoly that most students know into a teaching tool to teach students how real society functions. (*See the end of the post for links to their study and directions for playing the game.*) ![game-2391690_640.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmQLFvVahuTDsyDDpSSLpd355di2edu8XzxRmrLiJu1VZH/game-2391690_640.jpg) …show more content…

Real life isn't fair like that and Sociological Monopoly shows that. Those who start off the game poor only get poorer. Those who are rich get richer and have an easier time. In this alternate version you can take out loans but you have to pay them back with interest. Those who are poor take out loans thinking they will get ahead but they only get in debt. ![woman-1447082_640.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmcmUkDFWu5U8F7nooMrrsrsvuyedbq2Wpp5iR8DCQA7WP/woman-1447082_640.jpg) # It's always fun to watch students play the game to see how they react. Those who are rich are happier and feel superior. Those who have less money get discouraged and unhappy. In ways as the game continues, players emotions mirror real life. Those in the upper class have a lot of money and an easier time full of joy. Those in the middle class will own a little property but they won't ever earn enough to move up in social status. Those in poverty sink lower and lower into debt and struggle to stay afloat. It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes for a game to get to a point where those with little money are out of options and those with money are cleaning out the bank. After the game I always discuss how players felt, what they learned, and how the game mirrors real life.

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