The United States is widely known for having an open system of stratification where social mobility is possible. An open system of stratification is composed of achieved statuses and allows for interaction and social mobility between classes. Social mobility is movement from strata to another within a social structure. The prime example of this concept is Oprah Winfrey. Oprah Winfrey grew up in an impoverished and dangerous ghetto where she was repeatedly sexually assaulted since age nine and was raised by a single parent. However, despite these circumstances, Oprah earned a full scholarship to Tennessee State University, became a successful talk show host, and became known as, “the most influential woman of her generation” (notablebiographies.com).
