Current article includes comparative analysis of contemporary lower strata studies and classical Chicago school studies devoted to the same topic. In the beginning contemporary underclass concepts are examined: their sources, key theoretical constructions, explanations of this strata existence. Direct comparison with Chicago scholars’ standpoints based on four key parameters: welfare programs interdependence; emphasis on race and ethnic minorities’ problems; “inner city” territorial isolation; disposition towards deviation. Another important idea of the whole article is principal similarity of theoretical tasks through different epochs regardless historical differences of the empiric object.