In contemporary North America, people have been stratified based on their physical appearance and class status since the time of colonization (Robbins et al. 2017, 72). Current class divisions are seen as more fluid (190) than other types of categorization as one’s class can be ascribed at birth or achieved throughout their lives—some people are born rich whereas others are not. Class in North America does not only refer to the affluence of a person, but also their profession and livelihood, for example some professions such as medical professions are seen as higher class more worthwhile than professions that involve menial labour (ibid). Well-known Western ideals, such as the American Dream, assert that anyone can achieve wealth and affluence if they work hard enough but this is not necessarily the case due to systemic barriers. Due to this belief that only hard work and determination leads to a higher class status, often, the poor are seen as lazy and deserving of their own hardships (196).…
