Definition Of Social Class In A Raisin In The Sun

During the 1900s many black families barely had enough money to pay for the basic necessities needed to live. At times some families would receive a significant sum of money, something they were not used to getting. Deciding on how to spend this money is what caused problems among some families. In the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, she argues that there are times when in a state of financial instability and where money is a necessity to completing one’s dream that some family members choose to put their dreams over others when suddenly given the opportunity. After Mama’s husband died she was bound to receive an insurance check that would be used by the Younger family. Before even receiving the

There is much debate about the issue of social class in the United States. There are arguments about whether social classes are distinctly separate or fluid, dependent upon one’s community or society as a whole, and if they are subjective or objective (Hughes and Jenkins). However, despite the debate surrounding social classes, it is still important to try to define them and analyze their effects, as they are such an important part of our identity and our opportunities in society. Although our society has tried to appear as though we have no classes, and it is becoming harder to tell what class someone is in by material goods, classes do still exist today (Scott and Leonhardt). The trend has been to divide the U.S. into four major

The play A Raisin in the Sun illustrates the social and economic pressure that is placed on the Younger family, especially Beneatha who aspires to become a doctor at the time where not many women could even imagine such aspirations. The Younger family's daughter Beneatha is an outspoken intelligent member who raises the argument for the other side of the spectrum at all times. Beneatha is aspiring to become a doctor and has some hope that some of the money from her father's social insurance cheque would help go to her medical school. The pressure of being lower middle class severely affects the relationships of the Younger family as Walter, Beneatha's older brother shows no regard for his sister as he sees her as the only one in the house not

The play by Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun, presents an African-American family living in poverty in the 1950’s. The family receives ten thousand dollars from deceased Mr. Younger’s insurance; the money is supposed to be distributed in buying a house, Beneatha’s education, and Walter’s liquor store investment. However, Walter invests wrongly and loses more than half of the money, forcing Beneatha to consider moving to Africa to pursue an education. Beneatha Younger’s struggle with segregation while pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor demonstrates that education can be obtained with determination and discipline.

Society is set up into a hierarchical triangle that essentially determines social class. A social class is any person or group of people with the same educational, social or economical status. Social class can be broken down into many different categories such as race, age, gender, economic status, educational status and many more. Social class can be measured in many different ways such as financial status, family values, appearance, and demeanor. In America there are six main economical social classes which are the: Very poor, Poor, Working class, Middle class, Upper middle class, and the ruling class.

For example, someone in the higher or middle class a better say in the government than someone in the lower class. The people in the upper class know more people, seem more trusting, and have a better chance of making something of themselves. People in the upper class tend to know other people that are in the social class, which makes them look good as well. They are also more informed on what goes on in their community and country. Those who are higher up know how to dress better, and they have the extra money to spend on themselves. Usually, when someone feels right with themselves and other can tell. This gives everyone else a sense that they could be trusted. They also have a better chance of escalating themselves socially. They are already in the upper class, which only means they can only do better. Rather people in the lower class, they do not much social contact with other higher than them. Those who are in the lower class tend to this sense of not caring. They do not care how they dress or what is going on in the government. Their main goal is to try to get by, day by day, without hitting rock bottom. Those that are in the upper class do not have to worry about this because they usually come from a line a

“ A Raisin in the Sun” is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry about the life of an African American family during the era of segregation. The play starts off with the Younger family receiving a 10,000 dollar check from Mr. Younger’s insurance policy. The family argues over what they are going to do with it. Mama wants to buy a house with it, Walter wants to invest in a liquor store, and Beneatha wants to use the money to go to medical school. The contrast of the characters’ personalities fuels the conflict and drives the story forward. Beneatha is a young college student and the sister of Walter. She has a dream of becoming a doctor. Beneatha is a dynamic character who is easily influenced by her family and the people

Social class describes the different "layers" that exist in society. These "layers," or classes in society, are a division that civilization has been running on ever since the beginning of mankind. In most modern societies, our system of social class division is one of opportunity. We experience a good deal of social mobility, where people through generations or in their own lifetime can move up or down the social scale. By examining the many different perceptions of social class along with S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, it is illustrated that social class has an impact on people while they are growing up, and will usually deny them from rising above adversity.

Class can restrict someone from taking a path they want to pursue either because they are being discouraged from trying it or because they don’t have the means to get themselves there. The article in the Washington Post titled “Why are working class kids less likely to get elite jobs? They study too hard at college,” outlines why kids from higher classes are more likely to get elite jobs. They say “Basically, if we think of economic inequality as a sporting competition, elite parents give their kids a leg up, not only by being able to afford the equipment necessary to play but also by teaching them the rules of the game and giving them insider tips on how to win.” I believe that this is a good illustration of ways that members of the working class are at a disadvantage.

The realtion of social class to power, is a belief about equality of opportunity that seems to be ignore by former upper social mobility. According to Domhoff's statement about the relation of social class to power, "No group or class had power in America, but only influence". In other

Almost everyone is powerful in some way. Class, gender, and race contribute to how powerful someone is. This is demonstrated in To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The story takes place in the 1930s and is about a black man who is falsely convicted of raping a white girl. This white girl, Mayella Ewell, is part of the lower class.

Social class is defined as 'people having the same social or economic status' (Wordnet). In contemporary American society, social class is based on the amount of money and property you have and also prestige. Prestige is given to a person through the line of work or the family that they come from. For example, upper-upper class member Jennifer Lopez reeks of prestige not only because she has millions of dollars in her bank account, but she has very expensive luxuries, cars, and houses.

In the play “A Raisin In The Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry. The major problem is racial discrimination during this time(1950s-1960s). The younger’s are a poor African American of five people living in a very small apartment in Chicago. The five people that live in the small apartment is Lena, her son, Ruth(daughter in law), Beneatha(the daughter), and her grandson Travis. This takes place in the 1950’s. The family faces challenges after the death of their father. Lena (the mother) receives a life insurance check for her died husband for ten thousand dollars. She wants to use the money to buy a home, and start a better life for her family. Lena faces a tough decision when her kids can’t

Class is important as it can determine various aspects that will have a significant impact and influence on how people’s lives are shaped. Feminists have argued for other things to be included such as social divisions to show how they intersect with class. Economic inequalities can have an impact on class as they can determine a person’s status, wealth, income and lifestyle. Class is important as social inequalities exists amongst the rich and poor. Important social factors include poverty, health and education. A person’s identity is just as important as their class. People may face discrimination due to their identity, whether that may be due to their gender, age, ethnicity or disability. Social mobility is where people are in a different social class now from which they were brought up in. However sociologists argue that class is less important in contemporary society today than it once used to be.

“Social class is best described as a large group of people close to one another in property, power, and prestige.”(227) These three things effect our lives more than anyone gives them credit for. They also mainly go hand in hand with one another.