Social Classes in the United States

Social Stratification in the United States SOCI 1306 Social Classes in the United States Social class classification is a complicated and dynamic subject in sociology, with varying approaches and continuous discussions. In general, sociologists distinguish between three major class levels in the US: upper, medium, and lower class, each of which includes a number of subcategories. More than anything else, wealth is the main characteristic used to differentiate between these groups. This is due to the fact that wealth may be passed down through the generations, maintaining economic inequality and the class system. The highest 20 percent of American incomes are classified as "upper income" by eminent economist J.D. Foster, while the poorest 20 percent are classified as "lower income," meaning that 60 percent of people are middle class (Mason 2010). Although such a split provides a general perspective, it is too coarse to represent the subtleties and variations in the distribution of income over time. The Pew Research Centre provides a more thorough categorization based on median household income in order to solve these inadequacies. In line with their concept, those earning less than two-thirds of the national median income are classified as lower class, those earning between two-thirds and twice the median are classified as middle class, and those earning more than twice the median are classified as upper class (Kochhar 2015). By taking into account fluctuations in the distribution of income and changes over time, this approach offers a more dynamic picture of social class. For example, if your yearly household income fell between $48,500 and $145,500 in 2018 U.S. dollars, you would be classified as middle class (Bennett 2000). This method takes into account geographical variations in income levels, which can have a big influence on someone's social and economic standing, as well as the economic variety that exists within each class. Sociologists divide people into classes according to factors other than only money, such as authority and control over one's life. Individuals from the top class have a great deal of control over other people's life in addition to their own. They have the power to influence societal norms, laws, and institutions because of their social standing and financial means. This power can take many other forms, such as control over large enterprises, possession of significant financial holdings, and political sway. On the other hand, the middle class usually has some autonomy and stability, even if they are usually unable to exert influence on other social classes. People in the middle class frequently have access to property, steady work, and education, all of which provide them a sense of stability and control over their personal and professional life. On the other hand, the lower classes find it extremely difficult to influence their circumstances. People in this class frequently experience poor pay, unstable employment, and restricted access to healthcare and education. These limitations severely impair their capacity to raise their socioeconomic standing and restrict their degree of autonomy. Their sense of helplessness and annoyance at not having control over their jobs and personal life might further solidify their socioeconomic status. There are several subcategories that represent different levels of income, influence, and social capital within each of these main divisions. The upper class, for example, can be further subdivided into the lower-upper class, also known as "new money," and the higher-upper class, also known as "old money." The former group usually consists of families that have preserved their wealth and social standing over several generations, whereas the later group consists of people who have recently become extremely wealthy, frequently as a result of entrepreneurship or other high-paying occupations. The upper and lower middle classes are two divisions of the middle class. Professionals, managers, and company owners with better wages and more stable employment typically make up the upper-middle class. They frequently have substantial funds and investments in addition to higher degrees. Conversely, those working in administrative, clerical, and lowerlevel professional professions make up the lower-middle class. Comparing them to the uppermiddle class, they usually have lower financial resources and less job stability. The working class and the underclass are two common divisions of the lower class. People who work in manual labour, service sector employment, and other low-paying jobs are considered members of the working class. They put forth a lot of effort, yet they frequently struggle to make ends meet and have little possibilities for advancement. The group of people who experience the worst financial hardships—such as long-term unemployment, homelessness, and reliance on social assistance—is known as the underclass. Sociologists researching how social class affects health, political engagement, education, and other facets of life must comprehend these differences. Access to resources, opportunities in life, and general quality of life are all impacted by social status. For example, children from wealthy households frequently have access to prestigious schools, large social networks, and well-paying employment prospects. On the other hand, children from lower-class households may encounter major obstacles to their educational goals and aspirations for upward mobility, which would keep them trapped in a cycle of poverty for decades. Furthermore, social class creates complicated dynamics of privilege and disadvantage when it connects with other social categories like race, gender, and ethnicity. For instance, institutional racism and discrimination, especially against members of racial and ethnic minorities, can make life more difficult for those who belong to the lower class. Another important factor is gender; women frequently face more obstacles to economic growth and greater rates of poverty than men. To sum up, social class classification in the US is a complex and dynamic field of study. Sociologists can learn more about the structural injustices that influence people's lives by looking at income distribution, power relationships, and the interaction of other social elements. By using a holistic perspective, social class and its effects on society as a whole may be examined more deeply, emphasising the need for actions and policies that address these pervasive inequalities.