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Class Inequality In America

Decent Essays

According to “Sociology in Modules” class is “a group of people who have a similar level of wealth and income” (Schaefer 218). Society is stratified into classes and more importantly these classes are not equal. 1 to 2 % of Americans are upper class, 20 to 25% are lower class, which leaves a large percentage of Americans in the middle and working class (Schaefer 215). With a large number of the population in the middle class it can be hard to notice the statuses of others. Interactions between classes are minimal because of stigmas and norms in each class. It can also be a touchy subject because of the way status is viewed. Many believe that class status is an achieved status, but in reality it is more often ascribed because of systemic oppression.Stratification …show more content…

These sources fuel their own power, uses the scarce resources and power to their own advantage; keeping the upper class wealthy and the lower class poor. Inequalities from class stratification effect wealth and income distribution, social equality, and even health. The existence and prevalence of class in American society can be derived from capitalism’s large …show more content…

When everyone must work for or compete with big businesses inequalities become evident and form. Class groups together similar individuals, providing a community. But, it can shape an individual’s lifestyle for better or for worse. An example can be found in Domhoff’s article “Who Rules America? The Corporate Community and The Upper Class”. The author goes into detail on the life and expectations of the upper class and how the distinctiveness prestige mentality is supported through private schools (175). Also, when it comes to marriage “The prevailing wisdom within the upper class is that children should marry someone of their own social class” (178). The path an individual should take in life is decided by their social class. This plays into the fact that some people have the opportunity to devote their lives to a sport, hobby, or study. Messner’s article addresses how lower status boys tended to describe their motivations from a community context. Sports offer an escape from financial insecurity and gang violence. Upper-status boys are offered more options and have more opportunities to explore different areas of

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